THE NORTHERN LIGHT

From the German of E. WERNER

Author of "At a High Price, " "His Word of Honor, " etc. 

Translated by MRS. D. M. LOWREY

1891

CHAPTER I. 

The grey mist of an autumn morning lay upon forest and field. Throughits shadowy vapors a swarm of birds were sweeping by, on their Southwardway, now dipping low over the tops of the tall fir forest, as if givinga last greeting to their summer homes, and then rising high in the air;turning their flight due South, they disappeared slowly through the fog. 

At the window of a large manor-house, which lay at the edge of theforest, two men stood, watching the course of the birds and conversingearnestly with each other. One was a tall, stalwart figure, whose firmand erect bearing betokened the soldier fully as much as the uniform hewore. He was blonde and blue-eyed, not handsome, but with a strong andspeaking countenance; a typical German in form and feature. Yetsomething like a shadow lay upon the man's face, and there were, wrinkles, on his brow which surely were not the result of age, for hewas yet in the prime of life. 

"The birds have started already on their journey to the south, " said he, after watching the flight attentively until they had finally disappearedin the cloud of mist. "The autumn has come to nature and to our lives aswell. "

"Not to yours yet, " objected his companion. "You are just in the hey-dayof life, in the full strength of your manhood. "

"True enough, as to years, but I have a feeling that age will overtakeme sooner than others. I often feel as if it were autumn with me now. "

The other man, who might have been a few years the speaker's senior, wasslender, and of middle height, and clad in civilian's dress. He shookhis head impatiently at his companion's last observation. He appearedinsignificant when compared with the strong, well-built officer nearhim; but his pale, sharply cut face wore a look of cold, superiorrepose, and the sarcastic expression around the thin lips, together withhis aristocratic air and bearing, suggested a hidden strength behind afeeble exterior. 

"You take life too hard, Falkenried, " he said reprovingly. "You havechanged strangely in the last few years. Who would recognize in you now, the gay young officer of other days? And what's the reason of it all?The shadow which once darkened your life has long since disappeared. Youare a soldier, heart and soul, and have repeatedly distinguishedyourself in your profession. A high position awaits you in the future, and the thing above all others is--you have your son. "

Falkenried did not answer; he folded his arms and looked out again intothe mist, while the other continued: "The boy has grown handsome as agod in the last few years. I was quite overcome with surprise when Isaw him again, and you yourself, told me that he was unusually giftedand in many things showed great talent. "

"I would that Hartmut had fewer talents and more character, " saidFalkenried, in an almost acrid tone. "He can make verses quick enough, and to learn a language is child's play to him, but as soon as he triessome earnest science, he's behind all the others, and in militarytactics I can make nothing of him at all. You cannot comprehend, Wallmoden, what iron severity I am constantly compelled to employ. "

"I fear you accomplish little by this same severity, " interruptedWallmoden. "You should take my advice and leave your son to his studies. He has not the qualifications for a soldier. You must see that foryourself by this time. "

"He shall and must acquire those qualifications. It is the only possiblecareer for such an intractable nature as his, which revolts at everyrestraint and to which every duty is a burden. The life of a student atthe university would give him unrestrained liberty; only the irondicipline of the service will force him to bend. "

"The only question is, how long will you be able to force him to do yourwill? You should not deceive yourself; there are inherited tendencieswhich will not allow themselves to be repressed or eradicated. Hartmut, now, is in appearance the counterpart of his mother; he has her featuresand her eyes. "

"Yes, " assented Falkenried gloomily, "her dark, demoniacal, glowingeyes, which cast their spell upon all who knew her. "

"And were your ruin, " supplemented Wallmoden. "How often did I warn andadvise you then; but you would not listen. Your passion had seized youlike a fever and held you like chains. I declare I never have been ableto understand it. "

Falkenried's lips were drawn in with a bitter smile. 

"I can readily believe that you, the cool, calculating diplomat, you, whose every word is weighed, are protected against all such witcheries. "

"I should at least be cautious in my choice. Your marriage carriedunhappiness on its face from the very beginning. A women of a foreignrace, with strange blood in her veins and the wild, passionate Sclavenature, without character, without understanding of what we here callduty and morality; and you with your rigid principles, with yoursensitive feeling of honor, it could ultimately lead to but one end. AndI believe you loved her in spite of all, until your separation. "

"No, " said Falkenried, in a hard tone, "the fire burned out in the firstyear; I saw that only too clearly. But I shrank back from publishing tothe world my household misery by a legal separation. So I bore it untilno choice remained, until I was forced. But enough of this. "

He turned abruptly on his heel and looked from the window again; but thequick movement betrayed rather than concealed the torture which he withdifficulty repressed. 

"Yes, it takes a great deal to tear up a nature like yours by theroots, " said Wallmoden earnestly. "But the divorce freed you from theunhappy bond, and why should you not bury the memory as well?"

Falkenried shook his head and sighed heavily. "One cannot bury suchmemories; they are forever rising from their supposed sepulchres, andjust now--" he broke off suddenly. 

"Just now; what do you mean?"

"Nothing; let us speak of other things. You have been in Burgsdorfsince day before yesterday; how long do you expect to remain?"

"About two weeks. I haven't much time at my disposal, and am for thatmatter only nominally Willibald's guardian, for my diplomatic positionkeeps me out of the country most of the time. The guardianship reallyrests in the hands of my sister, who rules over everything. "

"Well, Regine is equal to the position. She governs the great estate andthe numerous servants as though she were a man. "

"And gives her orders like a cavalry officer from morning to night, " putin her brother. "Recognizing all her excellent qualities, I, nevertheless, feel a slight creepy sensation whenever I am constrainedto visit Burgsdorf, and I always leave the place with shattered nerves. They live in a most primitive fashion over yonder. Willibald is aperfect young bear, and of course at the same time the apple of hismother's eye, and she, by the way, is doing her best to bring him up asa bluff country squire. It's useless to enter any protest, and, for thematter of that, it seems just what the youngster's good for. "

Their conversation was interrupted at this moment by a servant, whoentered and handed his master a card. Falkenried glanced at it. "Counsellor Egern? I am glad of that. Tell the gentleman to come in. "

"You have a business engagement I see, " said Wallmoden rising. "ThenI'll not disturb you. "

"On the contrary I beg you to remain. I have had an intimation of thisvisit and its purpose, and know what will be the result of ourconversation. The question is--" He did not finish, for the door openedand the lawyer entered. He seemed surprised not to find the officeralone, as he had fully expected, but Falkenried took no notice of hisill-concealed astonishment. 

"Herr Counsellor Egern--Herr von Wallmoden, secretary of legation, " saidthe host, presenting them. The man of law bowed with cool politeness ashe took the seat offered him. 

"I have the honor of being known to you, I believe, Herr Major, " hebegan. "As your wife's attorney at the time the suit for divorce was inprogress, I had the opportunity of making your acquaintance. " He pausedas if expecting an answer; but Major Falkenried gave no sign beyond anaffirmative nod. 

Wallmoden was all attention. He could understand now his friend'sirritation on his arrival. 

"I come to you to-day in the name of my former client, " continued thecounsellor. "She has authorized me--have I your permission to speakfreely?"

He glanced at the diplomat, but Falkenried answered shortly: "Herr vonWallmoden is my friend, and knows all about this affair. So you mayspeak freely. "

"Very well. The lady has, after an absence of many years, returned toGermany, and naturally enough wishes to see her son. She has alreadywritten you about the matter but has received no answer. "

"I should think that was answer enough. I do not wish any such meeting, and I will not permit it. "

"That sounds very blunt, Herr Major. Frau von Falkenried, in that case, has--"

"Say Frau Zalika Rojanow, if you please, " interrupted the Major. "Ibelieve she assumed her maiden name again when she returned to her owncountry. "

"The name does not signify on this occasion, " responded the lawyercomposedly. "The question concerns only and alone a mother's naturaldesire, which the father neither can nor dare refuse, even though, asin this case, the son has been unconditionally adjudged to him. "

"Dare not? But suppose he does dare?"

"In so doing he will overstep the limit of his rights. I beg you, HerrMajor, to consider the matter quietly before giving so decided a no. Amother has rights of which no judicial decree can ever divest her, andone of those rights is the privilege of seeing her only child again. Inthis case my client has the law on her side, and she will appeal to it, too, if my demand meets with the same refusal as did her writtenrequest. "

"Very well, she can make the attempt. I'll run the risk. My son does notknow that his mother is living, and shall not learn it now. I will nothave him see her or speak with her, and I will know how to prevent it, too. My no is absolute under all circumstances. "

This declaration left nothing to be wished for as regarded energy; butFalkenried's face was deathly pale, and his voice had a hollow, menacingsound. One could see how fearfully the interview had excited him. He wasscarcely able to preserve the semblance of outward composure. 

The attorney seemed to see the uselessness of further endeavor, and onlyshrugged his shoulders. 

"If this is your last word, then my errand is at an end, and we willdetermine hereafter what our next step will be. I regret having troubledyou about the matter, Herr Major. " He bowed himself out with the samecool, indifferent manner with which he had entered. As the door closedupon him, Falkenried sprang up and began pacing excitedly up and downthe room; there were a few minutes of oppressive silence, then Wallmodensaid, half aloud: "You should not have done that. Zalika will not resignherself readily to your no; she made a desperate struggle for her childin the beginning. "

"But I obtained the victory. It is to be hoped she has not forgottenthat. "

"At that time the question concerned the possession of the child, "objected the secretary. "Now the mother only asks permission to see himagain, and you will not be able to refuse her that, if she demands itperemptorily. "

The Major stopped suddenly, and his voice was full of undisguisedcontempt as he answered:

"She will not venture to do that after all that has happened. Zalikalearned to know me in the hour of our separation; she'll be cautiousabout driving me to extremes a second time. "

"But perhaps she will seek to accomplish secretly what you have openlyrefused. "

"That is impossible; the discipline of our institution is so severethere could be no intercourse here of which I should not learn at once. "

Wallmoden did not seem to share his friend's confidence. He shook hishead doubtfully. 

"To speak openly, I regard it as a great mistake that you areobstinately silent toward your son concerning his mother and the factthat she is living. When he learns it from some other source, what then?And sometime you must tell him. "

"Perhaps, in a couple of years, when he'll have to enter the world. Nowhe's only a student, a half-grown boy, and I cannot disclose to him thedrama which was once played in his father's house--I cannot. "

"So be it. You know the woman who was once your wife, and know what toexpect from her. I fear there is nothing impossible for this woman toaccomplish. "

"Ah, I know her, " said Falkenried with intense bitterness, "and becauseI know her I will protect my son from her at any price. He shall notbreath the poisonous breath of her presence; no, not even for an hour. Ido not under estimate the danger from Zalika's return, but as long asHartmut remains at my side he is safe from her, for she will never comenear me, I give you my word for that. "

"We will hope so, " answered Wallmoden, as he rose and reached out hishand at parting. "But do not forget that the greatest danger with whichyou have to contend lies in Hartmut himself; he is in every trait theson of his mother. You are coming over to Burgsdorf with him day afterto-morrow, I hear?"

"Yes, he is to spend his short autumn vacation with Willibald. I shallbe able to remain a day only, but I'll surely come for that time. Good-bye. "

The secretary left the house, and Falkenried returned once more to thewindow, but he only gave a fleeting glance after his friend, who wavedhim a parting greeting, then returned gloomily to his own thoughts. 

"The son of his mother. " The words rang in his ears, but the thought wasnot new to him; he had known it a long time, and it was this knowledgewhich had furrowed his brow so deeply, and wrung from him many a deepsigh. He was a man who could brave any outward danger; but against thisunfortunate heritage of blood in his only child he had battled with allhis energy for years, but in vain. 

 * * * * *

"Now I tell you for the last time that all this noise and confusion mustcome to an end, for my patience is finally exhausted. Such goings on aswe have had for the last three days are enough to make one think thatall Burgsdorf is bewitched. That Hartmut is full of mad tricks from hishead to his feet. When he once gets loose from the reins which hisfather holds tight enough, I'll admit that, there's no getting on withhim, and of course you follow after him through thick and thin, and obeyyour lord and master's slightest behest. Oh, you are a fine pair. "

This philippic, which was delivered in a loud tone, came from the lipsof Frau von Eschenhagen of Burgsdorf, while sitting with her son andmother at breakfast. The great dining-room lay on the ground floor ofthe old mansion, and was an extremely simple room, with glass doorsleading out upon a broad stone terrace, and to the garden beyond. On thebrightly tinted walls hung a number of antlers, which bore witness tothe sporting tastes of former possessors, but these were the onlyadornments of the room. 

A dozen high-backed chairs, arranged stiffly in rows like grenadiers, acumbrous dining-table and a couple of old-fashioned sideboardsconstituted the entire furniture of the room; and one could see at aglance that they had already done service for several generations. Suchluxuries as wall-paper, paintings or carpet could not be found here. Evidently the occupants were contented to live on just as theirancestors had done, although Burgsdorf was one of the richest estates inthe district. 

The appearance of the mistress of the house was in keeping with hersurroundings She was forty years old or there abouts, with a large, strong figure, cheeks glowing with health, and firm, solid features, which could never have been called beautiful, but denoted great energy. Very little escaped the sharp glance of her gray eye, her dark hair wasbrushed back smoothly, her gown was of coarse texture, simply made, andlooking at her hands, you saw at once that they were made for work. 

There was nothing attractive in her appearance, and her manner andbearing were thoroughly masculine. 

The heir and future master of Burgsdorf, who had just been reprimandedso sharply, sat opposite his mother, listening, as in duty bound, whilehe helped himself liberally to ham and eggs. He was a handsome, fresh-looking youth, about seventeen years old, whose appearanceindicated no great intellectual strength, but he seemed to beam withgood nature. His sun-burned face was the picture of health, butotherwise he showed little resemblance to his mother. He lacked herenergetic expression, and the blue eyes and blonde hair were not fromher, but were an inheritance from his father. With his large, but veryawkward limbs, he looked like a young giant, and formed a strikingcontrast to his more delicately formed, aristocratic looking uncle, Wallmoden, who sat next him, and who said now with a slight _soupcon_ ofirony in his tone: "You certainly cannot hold Willibald answerable forall these mad pranks; he certainly is a model son. "

"I would advise him not to be anything else; who lives with me must obeyorders, " cried Frau von Eschenhagen, as she struck an emphatic blow uponthe table, which made her brother wince. 

"A man is bound to obey orders under your government, " he answered. "Atthe same time I would advise you, dear Regine, to do something more forthe intellectual development of your son. I have no doubt that underyour guidance he will become, in time, a most excellent farmer, but tothe education of a future landed proprietor, something more than that isneeded. Willibald has outgrown home instructors and should be sent awaynow. "

"Sent a--?" Frau Regine laid down knife and fork in unboundedastonishment. "Sent away, " she exclaimed, greatly irritated, "and in thename of common sense, where?"

"Well, first to the university, and later to travel, that he may learnsomething of the world and of men. "

"That he may be altogether ruined by this world and these men, and nocomfort to me at all! No, Herbert, I'll never do that, and I tell you sonow, once for all. I have educated my son to be honest and fear God, anddo not think I shall turn him loose in your Sodom and Gomorrah which thedear Lord in his forbearance has yet spared from the fire and brimstonewhich it so richly deserves. "

"You only know this Sodom and Gomorrah by hearsay, Regine, " interruptedHerbert, sarcastically. "You have lived in Burgsdorf ever since yourmarriage; you must acknowledge that yourself!"

"I acknowledge nothing at all, " declared Frau von Eschenhagen, obstinately. "Will shall become a capable farmer; he is qualified forthat, and for that he needs no cramming at your universities. Or perhapsyou'd like to educate him in your own school, and make a diplomatist ofhim? That would be too great an honor. "

She began to laugh loudly, and Will, to whom the whole conversation hadappeared very comical, joined in in the same key. Herr von Wallmodentook no part in this sudden explosion of gaiety; he only winced again, as though his nerves were affected, and shrugged his shoulders. 

"No, I had not thought of that. I know full well I should have mytrouble for my pains. But Willibald and I are the only representativesof our family, and if I should not marry--"

"Should not? You are not thinking of marrying in your old age?"interrupted his sister, sharply. 

"I am in my forty-fifth year, dear Regine, and a man is not usuallyconsidered old at that age, " said Wallmoden, somewhat vexed. "Above allthings I consider marriages made late in life by far the happiest; oneis not influenced then by passion, as Falkenried was, to his lastingwretchedness, but gives to reason the decisive word. "

"The saints protect us! What if Willibald should wait to marry until heis fifty years old and gray-headed?" cried Frau von Eschenhagen, greatlyvexed. 

"As an only son and future heir he will have to consider such matters;as for the rest, the main point will be his own inclinations. What doyou think, Willibald?"

The young heir, who had disposed of his ham and eggs by this time, andwith undiminished appetite was now attacking the sausage, was evidentlymuch astonished that his opinion had been asked. Such a thing had neverhappened before, and he was obliged to reflect deeply before he couldanswer at all. 

At length he reached a conclusion. "Yes, of course I must marry sometime, but mamma will choose a wife for me when the right time comes. "

"She will indeed, my boy, " assented his mother, warmly. "That is myaffair, so you need not trouble your head about it, and until then youwill remain here in Burgsdorf where I can have my eye upon you. As tothe university and traveling, that matter is--settled. "

She threw a defiant glance at her brother, but he was gazing with a lookof horror at the enormous sausage to which his nephew and ward washelping himself for the second time. 

"Have you always such a large appetite, Will?" he asked. 

"Always, " Will assured him complacently, as he helped himself to alarge slice of bread and butter. 

"No, we don't suffer thank God, with indigestion or any other stomachtrouble, " said the mistress of the house tartly, "but we earn our breadhonestly here. First pray and work, then eat and drink, but what we do, we do thoroughly, and that keeps body and soul together. Just look atWill, now, and you will see that what I say is true. " She gave herbrother a friendly slap on the shoulder with her last words, but thistoken of her good will was so energetic that Wallmoden shrank back inhis chair, and immediately moved it sidewise to be out of the reach ofthat muscular hand. 

The expression of his face showed clearly that the "creepy sensation"was coming over him again. In the presence of these patriarchialconditions, he thought it best to forego any attempt to enforce hisprerogative as guardian, an office, moreover, which, so far as he wasconcerned, had always been purely nominal. It was plain from Will'smanner that his mother's praise was highly gratifying to the young man'sfeelings. 

"And Hartmut is not here for breakfast again, this morning. He seems tothink there is no necessity for being punctual at Burgsdorf, but I willenlighten the young gentleman when he comes and make it clear to himthat--"

"There he is now, " exclaimed Willibald. On the clear sunshine whichflooded the room through the open windows, there fell a shadow, and atall, slender figure appeared suddenly at the window and vaulted uponthe high sill. 

"Well, what kind of an imp are you anyway, that you can only come inthrough the window?" said Frau von Eschenhagen indignantly. "What arethe doors for?"

"For Will and all other well-ordered human beings, " laughed thenew-comer good-naturedly. "I always take the nearest way, and that ledthis time through the window. " So saying he gave one spring from thehigh seat into the middle of the room. 

Hartmut Falkenried, like the young heir of Burgsdorf, stood upon theboundary line where boyhood and manhood meet, but it needed only aglance to recognize that he was his friend's superior in every respect. He wore a cadet's uniform which became him well, but yet there wassomething in his whole appearance which seemed to be at war with themilitary cut and fit. The tall, slender boy was a true picture of youthand beauty, yet there was something odd about this beauty, somethingwild in his motions and appearance, with absolutely nothing to remindone of the martial figure and earnest repose of his father. Theluxuriant, curly locks which crowned the high forehead, were of a deep, blue black, and the warm, dark coloring of the skin betokened rather ason of the south than of German parentage. Neither did the eyes, whichflashed in the youthful countenance, belong to the cool, earnest north;they were enigmatical eyes, dark as the night, and full of hot, passionate fire. Beautiful as they were, however, there was somethinguncanny hidden in their depths, and though the laughter whichaccompanied Hartmut's words was free and unrestrained, it was not ahearty, merry boy's laugh. 

"You certainly conduct yourself in a very free and easy manner, " saidWallmoden, sharply. "You evidently take advantage of the fact that theinmates of Burgsdorf think little of etiquette. I have no doubt, however, that your father would protest against such an entrance intothe dining-room. "

"He would not do it if his father were here, " said Frau von Eschenhagen, who did not seem to notice the stab intended for herself in herbrother's remark. "And so you have come to your breakfast at last, Hartmut. But laggards get nothing to eat; did you know that?"

"Yes, I know that, " replied Hartmut, quite undisturbed, "so I got mybreakfast some time ago from the housekeeper. You can't starve me, AuntRegine. I stand on too good a footing with your people. "

"And so you think you can do as you please and go unpunished, " cried theirate lady. "Break all the rules of the house, leave no one and nothingin peace, and stand all Burgsdorf on its head; but I'll soon stop allthis business, my lad. To-morrow I'll send a messenger over to yourfather requesting him to come and take home his son who knows neitherpunctuality nor obedience. "

The threat had its effect. The youth was frightened, and thought it wellto surrender at discretion. 

"Oh, you are only jesting; shall I not enjoy my short vacation with--"

"With all manner of folly?" Frau von Eschenhagen added for him. "Willhas not done so much mischief in all his life as you have accomplishedin the last three days, and you'll spoil him with your bad example andlead him into all manner of misdoing. "

"Oh, Will is not the kind to be spoiled. I could not do it if I tried, "said Hartmut very warmly. 

The young heir, who certainly did not look as if he could be led intoany impropriety, ate on, untroubled by these personal allusions, untilhe had finished the last slice of bread on the table; but his mother washighly incensed at this remark. 

"That must grieve you greatly, " she retorted. "It is certainly not yourfault, for you have tried hard enough to ruin him; but as I just said Iwill write to your father to-morrow. "

"That he is to come and fetch me away? You won't do that Aunt Regine, you are far too good. You know how very strict papa is, how severely hecan punish; you won't complain of me to him; you have never done ityet. "

"Leave me alone, don't bother me with your flatteries. " Frau Regine'sface was as inflexible as ever, but her voice had a certain unsteadinesswhich made Hartmut feel he had won the day. He laid his arm upon hershoulder with the freedom of a child. 

"I believe you do love me a little, Aunt Regine, and I--I have beenhappy for weeks over the thought of my visit to Burgsdorf. I have beensick with longing for woods and sea, for the green meadows and the farblue heavens. I have been so happy here; but of course, if you really donot want me, I'll go away from the place. I won't wait to have you sendme. "

His voice had sunk to a soft, seductive whisper, while his eyes spokemore eloquently than his tongue. They could plead more powerfully thanthe lips, and Frau von Eschenhagen, who yielded to no one, from her onlyson to the lowest tenant on the estate, permitted herself to bepersuaded by them now. 

"You are incorrigible, you merry-andrew" she said, brushing the curlsfrom his forehead. "And as to sending you away, you know only too wellthat Will and all my people are always ready to make fools of themselvesfor you, and I, too, for that matter. "

Hartmut laughed aloud at the last words, and kissed her hand withimpetuous gratitude, then he turned to his friend, who, having finallyended his meal, was looking on in silent wonderment. 

"Have you finished your breakfast at last, Will? Come, we'll go to theBurgsdorf fishing pond--don't be so vexatiously slow. Good-bye, AuntRegine, I can see Uncle Wallmoden does not approve of your havingpardoned me. Hurrah, now we're off for the woods. " And away he rushedover the terrace and across the garden. There was something attractivein his exuberance and enthusiasm. The lad was all life and fire. Willtrotted after him like a young deer, and in a few moments the twodisappeared behind the trees. 

"He comes and goes like a wind storm, " said Frau von Eschenhagen, gazingafter them. "That boy is not to be restrained once the reins areslackened. "

"A dangerous youth, " said Wallmoden. "He even understands how to manageyou, who usually have all your commands obeyed. It is, within myknowledge, the first time you have ever forgiven disobedience and lackof punctuality. "

"Yes, Hartmut has something about him which bewitches one, " exclaimedRegine, half angry at her own irresolution. "If he did not look at mewith those big black eyes of his while he begged and flattered, I mightbe able to resist him. You are right, he is a dangerous lad. "

"Well, we've had enough of Hartmut for this morning. The question whichinterests me concerns the education of your own son. You have reallydecided--"

"To keep him here. Don't bother yourself about him, Herbert; you may bea great diplomatist, and have the politics of the whole country in yourpocket, but I wont give my boy into your keeping; he belongs to mealone, and I intend to keep him, and--that's enough. "

A sounding blow on the table accompanied the "that's enough. " Then theruling lady of Burgsdorf rose from her chair and left the room. Herbrother shrugged his shoulders and said half aloud: "He can grow up anignorant country squire for all of me--perhaps it's the best thing forhim after all. "

Hartmut and Willibald had, in the meantime, reached the tolerablyextensive forest which belonged to the estate. The Burgsdorf fish pond, a lonely, reedy sheet of water in the middle of the wood, lay glitteringin the sun in the still morning hours. Willibald had chosen for himselfa shady place upon the bank, and gave himself up, with as muchperseverance as comfort, to the delights of angling, while the impatientHartmut wandered here and there, now scaring a bird, now breaking off abranch for the blossoms, and at last, after a series of gymnasticperformances, seating himself on the trunk of an old tree which lay halfin the water. "Can you never be quiet in any place? You frighten thefish away every time, " exclaimed Will, out of humor. "I've caughtnothing at all to-day!"

"How can you sit for hours on the one spot waiting for the stupid fishto bite?" retorted Hartmut. "Ah, you can spend the whole long year inthe woods if you desire, you are free, free. "

"Are you a prisoner, then?" asked his friend. "You and your comrades areout daily, are you not?"

"But never alone, never without supervision and control. We are alwaysand eternally in the service, even in recreation hours. O how I hate it, this service, and the whole slavish life. "

"But Hartmut, what if your father heard you?"

"Oh, then he would punish me again as he always does. He has nothingelse for me but force and punishment, all for my own good--that goeswithout saying. "

He threw himself full length on the grass, but hard as the wordssounded, there was a tremor in his tone which told of pain and passion. The young heir only shook his head soberly while he put a new bait onhis hook and for a few minutes there was perfect silence. 

Then suddenly something black swooped down like a flash of lightningfrom the height above them into the water, and a second later rose againin the air with the slippery, glittering prey in its beak. 

"Bravo, that was a good catch!" cried Hartmut, rising. But Will spokeangrily. 

"The wretched robber robs our whole pond. I will speak to the foresterand tell him to fill him full of lead. "

"A robber?" repeated Hartmut, as his glance followed the heron who wasjust disappearing behind the high tree tops. "Yes, of course, but howfine it must be to live such a free robber's life up there in the air. To descend like a flash for your booty and be up and off again where noone can follow; that's a hunt that pays. "

"Hartmut, I verily believe you'd take pleasure in such a wild, lawlesslife, " said Willibald, with the repugnance of a well-trained boy forsuch sentiments. 

His companion laughed, but it was the same bitter laugh without thejoyousness of youth in its sound. 

"Well, if I had any such desire, they'd take it out of me at themilitary academy. There obedience and discipline is the Alpha and Omegaof all things. Will, have you never wished that you had wings?"

"I, wings?" asked Will, whose whole attention was again directed to hisbait. "How ridiculous! Who would wish for impossibilities?"

"I only wish I had them, " cried Hartmut excitedly. "I would I were oneof the falcons from whom we take our name. Then I would mount higher andalways higher in the blue sky towards the sun, and never come backagain. "

"I believe you're crazy, " answered his listener good-naturedly. "Well, Iwont catch anything, if I sit here all day, for the fish wont bite. Imust move to another place. "

With that he gathered up his fishing tackle and crossed to the otherside of the pond, while Hartmut threw himself on the ground again. 

It was one of those autumn days which during the midday hours recallthoughts of early spring. The sunshine was so golden, the air so mild, the woods so fresh and odorous. Upon the glistening little lake dancedthousands of shining sparks, and the long grass whispered softly andmysteriously to itself whenever a breath of wind passed over it. 

Hartmut lay stretched out motionless on the grass as if listening to thesecrets it told to the autumnal wind. The wild passion and excitementwhich flashed from his eyes when he spoke of the bird of prey had allvanished. Now the eyes which looked into the heavens above were sad anddreamy, and there rested in them an expression of ardent longing. 

A light step, almost unheard on the soft ground, approached, and the lowbushes rustled as if against a silk garment. Then they parted and awoman's figure appeared and stood looking intently at the young dreamer. 

"Hartmut!"

The boy started and sprang up instantly. He knew neither the voice northe apparition which stood before him, but saw it was a lady, and hemade her one of his courtly bows. 

"Pardon, Madame--"

A slender, trembling hand was laid quickly and restrainingly on his arm. 

"Be quiet, not so loud; your companion might hear us, and I want tospeak to you, and to you alone, Hartmut. "

She stepped back again into the thicket and motioned him to follow. Hartmut hesitated a moment. How came this heavily-veiled andrichly-attired stranger into the lonely wood, and why did she speak sofamiliarly to him whom she had never seen before? But the mysteriousnessof her behavior beginning to charm him, he followed. 

She stood now in the shadow of the low trees, where she could not beseen from the lake, and slowly threw back her veil. She was not veryyoung, a woman of more than thirty, but her face with its great burningeyes, possessed an indefinable witchery, and a certain charm lay in hervoice, which, though she talked in whispers, had a soft, deep tone, andan odd intonation, as though the German which she spoke so fluently wasnot her mother tongue. 

"Hartmut, look at me. Do you really not know me any more? Does no memoryof your childhood come back to you, to tell you who I am?"

The young man shook his head slowly, and yet some dreamy and obscurememory did come to his recollection, of having heard this voice before, and of this face which had looked into his at some far distant period. Half shy, half fascinated, he stood looking at this stranger, whosuddenly threw her arms around him. 

"My son, my only child! Do you not know your own mother?"

"My mother is dead, " he answered, half aloud. 

The stranger laughed bitterly, shrilly, and her laugh seemed but an echoof the hard, joyless sounds which had come from Hartmut's lips a fewmoments since. 

"So that's how it is. They would even say I was dead and not leave youthe memory of a mother. It is not true, Hartmut. I live, I stand beforeyou; look at me, look at my features, are they not your very own? Thatat least they could not take from you. Child of my heart, do you notfeel that you belong to me?"

Still Hartmut stood motionless, looking into that face in which his ownwas so faithfully mirrored. He saw the same lines, the same luxuriant, blue-black hair, the same dark, flashing eyes; and the same demoniacalexpression which was a flame in the eye of the mother, was a spark inthe eye of the son. Their close resemblance to one another was witnessenough that they were of one blood. The young man felt the influence ofthe mysterious tie. 

He demanded no explanation, no proof; the dreamy, confused recollectionsof his childhood were suddenly clear, and after a second's hesitation hethrew himself into the arms which were stretched out to him. 

"Mother!"

In this cry lay the whole fervid intensity of the boy, who had neverknown what it was to have a mother, and who had longed for one with allthe passion of his nature. His mother! And now he lay in her arms, nowshe covered him with warm kisses, and called him by sweet, tender names, which had been strangers to his ear until that moment--everything elseseemed forgotten by him in this flood of stormy ecstasy. 

After a few minutes Hartmut loosed himself from the arms which stillenfolded him. 

"Why have you never been with me, mamma?" he asked vehemently. "Why haveI always been told that you were dead?"

Zalika stepped back, and in an instant all tenderness had died out ofher eyes, and in its place was a wild, deadly hate, as the answer camelike a hiss from between her set lips. 

"Because your father hates me, my son--and because he wishes to deny methe love of my only child since he thrust me from him. "

Hartmut was silent. He knew well enough that the name of his motherdare not be mentioned in his father's presence, and that he had beensharply reproved once for doing so, but he had been too much a child atthe time to ask "why. " Zalika gave him no time to do so now. She brushedthe thick locks back from his brow and a shadow crossed her face. 

"You get your forehead from him, " she said slowly. "But that is the onlything that reminds me of him, all the rest belongs to me and me alone. Every feature tells that you are mine--I always knew that. "

She suddenly clasped him in her arms again with unspeakable tenderness, and Hartmut returned the embrace with ardor. It seemed to him like thefairy tales which he had so often dreamed, and he gave himself upunresistingly to the spell of happiness which some wonderful magic hadcast over him. 

Just at that moment, Will called loudly to his friend from the oppositeshore to come on, that it was time to go home. Zalika spoke at once. 

"We must part now. Nobody must learn that I have seen and spoken withyou; above all things your father must not know it. When do you returnto him?"

"In eight days. "

"Not for eight days?" The words sounded almost triumphant. 

"Until then I can see you daily. Be here by the pond to-morrow at thissame hour; make some pretext for leaving your friend behind, so that wemay be undisturbed. You will come, Hartmut?"

"Certainly, mother, but--"

She gave him no time for any objection, but continued in a passionatewhisper:

"Above all things maintain absolute silence toward every one. Do notforget that. Good-bye, my child, my own dear son, good-bye. "

Another kiss and she had retreated in the woods as noiselessly as shehad come. It was high time, for Willibald appeared at this moment, though not noiselessly by any means, for he broke the twigs with many acrackle as he stepped heavily on them. 

"Why didn't you answer me?" he asked. "I called you three times. Youhave been asleep; you look as if you were dreaming. "

Hartmut did have a dazed look as he stood gazing at the trees behindwhich his mother had disappeared. Now he straightened himself and drewhis hand across his forehead. 

"Yes, I have been dreaming. A very strange, marvelous dream, " he saidslowly. 

"You had better have been fishing, " returned Will. "See what a finecatch I have made. A man should never dream in daylight--that's the timeto be at something serious--mother says. "

CHAPTER II. 

The Falkenried and Wallmoden families had been on friendly terms foryears. Living upon adjoining estates, their intercourse was frequent, and their children grew up together, while many common interests unitedthe bonds of friendship still more closely. Neither of the families werewealthy, and the sons, after completing their education, always had tomake their own way in the world, and this in their turn Major Hartmutvon Falkenried and Herbert von Wallmoden had done. 

They had played together in their youth, and as men had remained true totheir boyhood's friendship. At one time it looked as if they would bemore closely allied, for their parents had planned a marriage betweenLieutenant Falkenried, as he was then, and Regine Wallmoden. The youngcouple seemed to understand one another fully, and everything stood onthe happiest footing, when an event occurred which put an abrupttermination to all their plans. 

A cousin of the Wallmoden family, an incorrigible idler and spendthrift, who had made his longer residence at home an impossibility by his wildconduct, had gone out into the world years before, and after muchwandering, and an adventurous career, had finally turned his steps inthe direction of Roumania, where he obtained the management of a wealthyBojar's estate. After the Bojar's death he succeeded in winning thewidow's hand, and once more regained the position among the nobilitywhich he had lost earlier in life, through his own folly. And now, afteran absence of more than ten years, he returned with his wife to make along visit to his kinsfolk. 

Frau von Wallmoden was by no means a youthful bride. She had long sincereached maturity, but she was accompanied by her daughter by her firstmarriage, Zalika Rojanow; and this young Sclave, scarcely seventeenyears old, turned the heads of the simple country gentry, who after allhad seen but little of the world, by her grace and strange beauty, andthe fascination of her warm southern temperament. She was a strangeenough figure in this little circle, whose forms and customs she setaside with such sovereign indifference. But there was many an earnestshake of the head, many a word of blame, which was not outspoken, because they only considered the girl a fleeting guest; she would vanishagain as suddenly as she had appeared on their little horizon. 

Then Hartmut Falkenried came home from his garrison on leave, and metthe new family in the house of his friends. He saw Zalika, and hislife's destiny was sealed. It was a sudden and blinding passion, forwhich one too often pays with the peace of a whole life. 

He forgot the wishes of his parents, their plans for his future, and hisquiet, warm attachment for his youth's playfellow, Regine. He had eyesno longer for the simple woodland flower, which yet bloomed young andfresh for him; but, inhaling the fragrance of the strange and beautifulexotic, all else sank into insignificance. In an unguarded hour he threwhimself at her feet, and told her of his love. 

Strangely enough, Zalika returned his affection. Perhaps it wasaccording to the old adage of extremes meeting, for this man was, inevery particular, her opposite; perhaps it flattered her to see that aword, a glance from her, could so powerfully effect this earnest, quietofficer, who, even then, had a touch of melancholy in his disposition. Enough, she accepted him, and with joy he clasped his affianced bride inhis arms. 

The news of their betrothal aroused a storm in the family circle. Fromall sides came objections and warnings. Zalika's mother and step-fatherwere sorely opposed to it, but resistance only increased the ardor ofthe young lovers. The engagement, in spite of kinsfolk, was soon anestablished fact, and six months later Falkenried took his young brideto his own house. 

But the voices which had foretold unhappiness from this marriage wereprophetic. 

It was not long before the brief intoxication of joy was followed bybitter disenchantment. It had been a fatal error to believe a woman likeZalika Rojanow, who had grown up in the unrestrained freedom of adisorderly, extravagant Bojar family, could accommodate herself to therules and restrictions of a settled German household. 

The only life she had ever known, and the only life which suited hertemper, was one of excitement and outward splendor. A house full ofguests, horses, cards, hunting, racing, and the utmost liberty ofconversation with the men of her acquaintance; this was the life she hadled in her Roumanian home. 

She had no notion of duty and no understanding for the obligations andrequirements of her new position. And this was the wife who must adaptherself to the narrow life of a little German garrison town, and directthe household of a young officer with but limited means at his command. That it was impossible for her to do so, was shown within the first fewweeks. Zalika began at once; regardless of all prudent considerations, to order her house after the same fashion as her father's, andsquandered her large marriage portion right and left. 

In vain her husband pleaded with and admonished her; she paid no heed tohim. She had nothing but jeers for forms and ceremonies which weresacred to him, only a shrug of the shoulders for his strict ideas ofhonor and propriety. Soon there were violent quarrels, and Falkenriedrecognized, too late, what his precipitancy had done for him. 

He had had great faith in the power of love, notwithstanding all thewarnings he had received about Zalika's foreign birth, and the sealwhich her erratic education had stamped upon her character. But he hadnow to learn that she had never loved him; that it was the whim of thehour, or, more probably, the fleeting passion of a moment, which hadmade her throw herself into his arms. And she saw in him only anuncomfortable companion, who spoiled all her pleasure in life with hisfoolish pendantries and his laughable notions of honor with which hewished to bind her hand and foot. But with it all, she feared this man, who, in his energy and force, was striving to bend her characterlessnature to his will. 

The birth of little Hartmut did nothing to relieve the strain of thisunhappy marriage, but it was a tie which, outwardly at least, stillbound them together. Zalika loved her child passionately, and she knewher husband well enough to recognize fully, that if it ever came to aseparation between them, he would demand the boy. That thought alonekept her by his side, while Falkenried suffered intensely, hid hismisery in his own breast, and gave a brave front to the world. 

But, in spite of all, the world knew the truth; it knew things of whichthe husband had never dreamed, and was only silent out of compassion forhim. But at last there came a day when his eyes were opened, and whathad been so long an open secret to all his little world exceptinghimself, was known to him. 

The immediate consequence of this knowledge was a duel, in whichFalkenried's antagonist fell. 

Falkenried was sentenced to a long imprisonment, but very soon released, for every one recognized that he had only fought to vindicate hiswounded honor. 

In the meantime the suit for divorce had been begun, and a decreeobtained; Zalika made no contest, nor did she venture to approach herhusband again. 

Since the last terrible hour when he had called her to account, shetrembled at the thought of him. She made desperate efforts however tosecure possession of her son, but all in vain. 

Hartmut was given to the father unconditionally, and Falkenried barredthe mother's every effort with iron inexorableness. Zalika made manyattempts to see her son once more, but to no purpose, and fullyconvinced at last, that she could accomplish nothing, she returned toher own country and her mother's house. 

For years her husband had heard nothing from her, until now when shesuddenly and unexpectedly appeared in the neighborhood of the Germancapital, where Major von Falkenried had assumed control of a largemilitary school. 

It was the eighth day since Hartmut's arrival at Burgsdorf. Frau vonEschenhagen was in her sitting-room, and opposite her sat the Major, whohad arrived but fifteen minutes before. 

Her conversation must have been as disagreeable as it was earnest, forFalkenried listened with a face which grew darker at every word, as shewent on with her account. 

"Hartmut seemed to me greatly altered after the third or fourth day hewas here. The first few days nothing could check his overflow ofspirits, and indeed one morning I had to threaten to send him home. But, all of a sudden, he became silent and quite downcast. He attempted nomore of his mad pranks, spent hours by himself in wandering through ourwoods, and when he returned from his solitary rambles, just sat anddreamed with open eyes, so that we often had to arouse him as if from asound slumber. 'He's beginning to think of the future, ' Herbert said, but I said: 'There's something more than that wrong; there's somethingback of all this. ' So I took Will to task and questioned him closely; heastonished me with what I extorted from him. He was in the conspiracy. He had surprised the mother and the son one day at their tryst, andHartmut had pledged him to secrecy, and my boy had really kept silencetowards me, me, his own mother! He finally confessed the little he knew, after I had talked to him seriously. Well, it won't happen a secondtime. I'll look after my Will more sharply for the future. "

"And Hartmut, what does he say?" interrupted the father hastily. 

"Nothing at all, for I haven't spoken a syllable to him on the subject. He would probably have asked why he had never been allowed to see, orspeak to his mother, and that question can only be answered--by hisfather. "

"He has heard it all from the other side, by this time, " answered thefather bitterly. "Though, of course, he has not heard the truth. "

"That is what I feared, so I didn't lose a moment in communicating withyou after I discovered the thing. And what will you do?"

"I'll have to think that over, " responded the Major with enforced quiet. "I thank you, Regine. I suspected mischief when your letter came urgingme to come over at once. Herbert was right, I should not have allowedHartmut to leave my side for an hour, under any circumstances. But Ibelieved him to be so safe from every approach here at Burgsdorf. And hewas so rejoiced at the thought of spending his little vacation here, hadso set his heart upon it, that I had not the strength to refusehim;--and then he is seldom happy except when away from me. "

A hidden pain lay in the last words, but his listener only shrugged hisshoulders. 

"That's not altogether the boy's fault, " she answered, outspokenly. "Ikeep my Will under pretty sharp discipline, but he knows well enough, inspite of all that, that he lives in his mother's heart. Hartmut hasnever learned as much of his father; he only knows his severe, unapproachable side. If he imagined that you almost adored--"'

"He would at once misuse the knowledge and leave me weaponless with hisflattery and caresses. He'd rule over me as he does over every one elsewho comes near him. His comrades follow him blindly, and are as oftenpunished as he for his misdoings. He has your Willibald completely underhis control, and his teachers treat him with especial indulgence. I amthe only one whom he fears, and, as a natural consequence, the only onewhom he respects. "

"And you believe fear to be the only weapon to use against him? justnow, too, when his mother is, without doubt, overwhelming him withlavish caresses? Do not turn away, old friend, you know I have nevermentioned that name before you, but now that it is brought unavoidablyto the front again I must speak plainly. I must admit we could expectnothing less from Frau Zalika, than that she would appear again. Nothingwould have been gained even if you had not allowed him to leave yourside, for you could not guard a lad of seventeen like a little child. The mother would have found some way to see her child, and that is herright--I should do the same. "

"Her right?" interrupted the Major violently. "And you say that to me, Regine?"

"I say it, because I know what it is to have an only son. It was rightfor you to take your child, for such a mother was not fit to educatehim; but that you should refuse to let her see her son again, after anabsence of twelve years, is a hardness and cruelty which can only beprompted by hate. No matter how great her guilt may have been--thepunishment is too hard. "

Falkenried looked gloomily on the ground; he knew there was truth in herwords; at last he said slowly:

"I should never have believed you would espouse Zalika's cause. Once Iinjured you deeply for her sake. I tore asunder a bond--"

"Which never had been united, " broke in Frau von Eschenhagen, anxious toavoid the subject. "It was only a plan of our parents, nothing more. "

"But the thought was a familiar and cherished one in our childhood'syears. Do not seek to shield me, Regine, I know only too well how Itreated you then--and myself too. "

Regine looked straight at him with her clear, gray eyes, but there wassomething like moisture in them as she answered:

"Well, well, Hartmut, it's all over now, so many years that I do nothesitate to admit that I would have had you then, willingly enough, andperhaps you would have been able to make something more out of me than Ihave become. I was always a headstrong creature, you know, and noteasily ruled, but I should have obeyed you, perhaps you alone, of allthe world. But when Willibald Eschenhagen led me to the altar threemonths after your own marriage, the situation was reversed, and I tookthe reins in my own hands and began to govern, and have had plenty ofpractice since then. But let's not talk of that time so long gone by. Inever have borne any grudge against you, you know that; we have alwaysbeen friends in spite of everything, and if you want my assistance oradvice now--here I am. "

She held out her hand and he placed his own in it. 

"I know it, Regine, but in this matter I can only help and advisemyself. If you will send Hartmut to me now, I'll speak with him. "

Frau von Eschenhagen arose at once to fulfil his wish, but as she leftthe room she murmured half aloud:

"If it be not already too late. She blinded the father and made himalmost insane once; she has surely done as much for the son by thistime. "

In about ten minutes Hartmut entered; he closed the door behind him, butremained standing near it. Falkenried turned to him. "Come near, Hartmut, I wish to speak with you. "

His son obeyed, but reluctantly. He knew already that Willibald hadconfessed, and that Regine had summoned his father at once, but, unitedto the shyness with which he always approached his father, there wasto-day an obvious defiance, which did not escape the Major. He gave hishandsome young son a long, gloomy look. 

"My sudden arrival does not appear to surprise you. Perhaps you know whyI am come!"

"Yes father, I imagine why!"

"That is well; then we need waste no time with explanatory words. Youhave learned that your mother still lives, she has seen you and spokenwith you. I know that already. When did you see her first?"

"Five days ago. "

"And have you seen her daily since then?"

"Yes, at the Burgsdorf fish pond?"

Questions and answers were alike short and precise. Hartmut wasaccustomed to the abrupt, military manner of his father, for in all hisintercourse with him, no superfluous word, no hesitancy or evasion of ananswer, was permitted. 

To-day Falkenried was especially abrupt, in order that he might concealhis intense excitement from his son's unpracticed eye. But Hartmut sawonly the earnest, unmoved countenance, and heard only the cold, severeaccents as his father continued:

"I have nothing for which to reprove you, for in this matter I havegiven you no commands and no word has ever been spoken on the subjectbetween us. But now I am forced to break the silence. You have alwaysbelieved your mother dead, and I have tacitly encouraged this belief, for I have wished to protect you from recollections which poisoned mylife. Your youth at least should be free, I said. But I have not beenable to carry out that plan, I see, so now you must learn the truth. "

The father paused a moment. To a man of his sensitive feelings it wastorture to discuss this subject with his son, but there was no optionnow, he must speak farther. 

"When I was a young man I loved your mother devotedly, and married heragainst the wishes of my parents, who saw only unhappiness for me in aunion with a woman from a foreign land. They were right, the marriagewas a most unhappy one, and was finally dissolved by my desire. My sonwas awarded to me unconditionally, for it was my absolute right. More Iwill not tell you, for I cannot denounce a mother to her own son, so letthat be enough for you. "

Short and bitter as this declaration was, it made a singular impressionupon Hartmut. His father would not denounce his mother to him, to him, who heard daily the bitterest accusations and invectives against hisfather from her lips. 

Zalika had, as might be supposed, cast all the blame of the separationupon her husband and his countless tyrannies, and her son, who hadsuffered so much from his father's austerity, gave a willing ear to allher tirades. And yet these few short, earnest words had more effect thanall Zalika's passionate outbreaks. Hartmut felt instinctively on whichside the truth lay. 

"And now, to the main point, " Falkenried went on. "What was the tenor ofyour daily interviews?"

Perhaps Hartmut had not expected this question; a deep red overspreadhis face, he was silent and cast his eyes on the ground. 

"Ah, you do not care to repeat it. I desire to know it. I command youto answer me!"

But Hartmut was still silent; he only pressed his lips closer together, and looked defiantly at his father, who had come close to him now. 

"You will not speak? Perhaps a command from the other side keeps yousilent? No matter, your silence tells me more than any words. I see howmuch you are estranged from me already; a little longer with suchinfluences, and you would be lost to me forever. These meetings withyour mother are now at an end. I forbid you to see her again. You willgo home with me to-day and remain under my protection. Whether thatappears cruel to you or not, it must be, and you must obey. "

But the Major erred when he believed his son would, as formerly, bow tohis stern decree. Hartmut had been for the past few days in a schoolwhere all the antagonism of his nature had been aroused against hisfather. 

"Father, you cannot, you dare not order me thus, " he cried out now ingreat excitement. "It is my own mother whom I have found at last, theonly one in the whole world who loves me. I will not be separated fromher again as I once was. I will not be forced to hate her; threaten, punish me, do what you will with me, but I will not obey this time, Iwill not obey!"

All the ungovernable passion of his nature broke out in these words; anunearthly fire gleamed in his eyes, and his hands were clenched; everyfiber quivered in wild revolt; he was resolved to fight out this battlewith his father to the bitter end. 

But the burst of anger which he expected did not come. Falkenried lookedsilently at him, but with a glance of earnest, sad reproof. 

"The only one in the whole world who loves you, " he repeated slowly. "You seem to forget that you have a father. "

"Who has never loved me, " cried Hartmut with excessive bitterness. "Since I have found my mother, I have learned for the first time whatlove is. "

"Hartmut!"

The boy seemed almost staggered by this strange tone, vibrating withpain, which he had never heard in all his life before, and the defiancewhich was about to break forth anew, died on his lips. 

"Because I have had no flattering words and caresses for you, because Ihave been strict and severe in my training, have you doubted my love?"said Falkenried, even in that same strange tone. "Do you know what thatseverity has cost me against my only, my dearly loved child?"

"Father!" The word had a shy, hesitating sound, but it was not the oldshyness and fear; there lay in it a joyful, almost incredulousastonishment, and Hartmut gazed on his father's face as if he couldnever take his eyes from it. Falkenried put his hand on his son's armand drew him nearer, while he continued:

"Once I was ambitious, had proud hopes of life, great plans andprojects, but I received a blow from which I could never recover. If Istrive and struggle now, Hartmut, the only spur I have in life, besidesmy sense of duty, is you, my son. All my ambitions are centered in you. I strive for nought else on earth but to make your future great andhappy; and you can become great my boy, for your talents are unusual, and your mind is as capable for good as for evil. But there issomething more, there are dangerous elements in your nature which areless your fault than your fate, and which must be curbed in time, beforethey obtain a mastery over you, and plunge you into misery. I have beensevere with you in order to expel the germs, but it has not been easyfor me. "

The youth's countenance was in a glow, he hung with bated breath uponhis father's every word, and now he said in a whisper, behind which hecould scarcely conceal his joy:

"I never dared to think you loved me, you were always so inflexible, sounapproachable--" he broke off and looked up at his father, who put hisarm around him and drew him closer to himself. Their eyes met in a long, tender gaze, and the iron man's voice broke as he said softly:

"You are my only child, Hartmut, all that remains to me of a dream ofhappiness which vanished, leaving only bitterness and disenchantment inits wake. I lost much and bore it;--but if I were to lose you, you, --Icould not bear it. "

He held his son close in his arms, and the boy threw himself sobbing onhis breast, and in this passionate embrace all else seemed to sink fromview. They had both forgotten the threatening shadow from the past whichwas forcing itself between them. 

In the meantime Frau von Eschenhagen was harangueing Will in thedining-room. She had already performed that duty once this morning, butshe thought the occasion required a second portion. The young heirlooked sorely disturbed, he felt himself in a false position both asregarded his mother and his friend, and yet he was quite innocent in thematter. As a dutiful son he listened patiently to the tirade, and onlythrew a wistful glance now and then toward the table upon which theevening meal was already spread, and of which his mother took not theslightest notice. 

"This is what comes of it, when a boy has secrets behind his parents'back, " she said in conclusion. "Hartmut will be well watched now, andthe Major won't deal any too gently with him, either, and you, I think, will refrain from assisting in any more plots, if I have anything tosay. "

"I had nothing to do with it, " said Will, defending himself. "I onlypromised to be silent, and I had to keep my word. "

"You should never keep silence toward your mother. She is always andever an exception, " said Frau Regine, decidedly. 

"Yes, mamma, that was probably what Hartmut thought; that's how he actedtoward his mother, " said Willibald, and the remark was so just thatnothing could be said in contradiction; it provoked Frau vonJischenhagen none the less, on that account. 

"That's something different, something quite different, " she answeredshortly. But her son asked obstinately:

"Why is it something different here, then?"

"Do not bother me any more with your talk and your questions, " hismother went on angrily. "That is a thing which you do not understand, and about which you have no business to trouble your head. It's badenough that Hartmut has brought you into the affair at all. Now bequiet, and don't trouble me any more about it. Do you understand?"

Will was silent as requested. It was the first time in his life that hehad been catechised so sharply and had received so severe a lecture. Atthis moment his uncle Wallmoden, just back from a walk, entered theroom. 

"I hear Falkenried has come already?" he said to his sister. 

"Yes, " she answered. "He came immediately upon receipt of my letter. "

"And how did he take the news?"

"Quietly enough, outwardly; but I saw only too well that he was movedto his very soul. He is alone with Hartmut now, and the pent-up stormwill burst. "

"How unfortunate. But I warned him of all this as soon as I heard ofZalika's return. He should have spoken to his son at once. Now I fear heis adding a second blunder to the first in seeking, with commands andforce, to prevent further meetings. That fatal stubbornness of his, which knows no alternative, is terribly out of place now. "

"Yes, and their talk has lasted a long time already. I'll just go andsee how they're getting on, and whether the Major is too severe or not. You remain here, Herbert. I'll be back immediately. "

She left the room, and while Wallmoden paced the floor dejectedly, hisnephew sat alone at the supper-table, which no one but himself seemed tonotice. He did not venture to eat his supper, for his mother was inanything but a pleasant humor to-day, and he felt no liberties were tobe taken. Fortunately she came back in a short time with a gleam ofbright sunshine across her face. 

"It's all right, " she said shortly and concisely. "He has the boy in hisarms and Hartmut is clinging to him. They can do as they please now. Godbe praised! Now you can eat your supper, Will; the confusion that thehouse has been in all day is over at last. "

Will didn't wait to be told twice, but began his meal at the word. Wallmoden shook his head and said half aloud:

"If it only really is over at last!"

Neither Falkenried nor his son perceived that the door had been softlyopened and closed again. 

Hartmut still clung to his father. He seemed to have lost all shynessand reserve in his newly found happiness. He was so tender, socaressing, that perhaps the Major was not far wrong in saying he wouldbe left defenseless when his son learned of his great love for him. Hesaid little; but pressed his lips again and again to his boy's forehead, and his eyes never left his son's glowing face, which was so near hisown. At last Hartmut said softly:

"And my mother?"

A shadow darkened Falkenried's face, but he did not unclasp the armswhich held his son. 

"Your mother will leave Germany as soon as she learns that she must keepaloof from you, " he said, this time without harshness, but mostdecisively. "You may write her that I will allow you to correspond withher under certain conditions, but I cannot nor dare not allow anypersonal intercourse. "

"Father, consider--"

"I cannot, Hartmut, it is impossible!"

"Do you hate her so much, then?" asked the boy reprovingly. "It was youthat sought the divorce, not my mother; she told me so herself. "

Falkenried's lips trembled, and bitter words were on them; he felt liketelling his son, once for all, that his honor had demanded theseparation; but he looked in his child's dark, questioning eyes, and thewords died on his lips. He could not betray the mother to her son. 

"Let that question rest, " he said gloomily. "Perhaps later, you maylearn to appreciate my reasons. Now I cannot spare you the bitteralternative; you can only belong to one of us, and must shun the other;you must accept that as your fate. "

Hartmut bowed his head; he felt that nothing more was to be said. Thatall meetings with his mother must cease when he was again under therigid discipline of the institute, he knew full well; now he was atleast permitted to write to her, which was more than he had ventured tohope. 

"Well, I will tell my mother, " he said, dejectedly. "Now that you knowall, you will not oppose my seeing her again?"

The Major was startled; he had not thought of such a possibility. 

"When were you to see her again?" he asked. 

"To-day, at this hour, at the lake in the wood. She is already waitingfor me there. "

Falkenried had a fierce battle with himself; a voice within him warnedhim not to permit this meeting, but he felt that it would seem cruel forhim to refuse. 

"Will you be back in two hours?" he asked at last. 

"Certainly father, or sooner, if you desire it. "

"Well, go, " said the Major with a deep sigh. It was only his sense ofjustice which forced the permission from his lips. "As soon as you comeback, we will go home. It is nearly the end of your vacation anyway. "

Hartmut, who was on the point of starting, turned back suddenly. Thewords brought forcibly to his mind, what he had forgotten in the lasthour, the compulsion and severity of the hated regimen he would againhave to endure. He had never ventured openly to avow his aversion forthe army, but this hour, which took from him all shyness towards hisfather, also removed the seal from his lips. After a moment's hesitationhe returned to his father, and putting his arm around his neck, said:

"I have a request, a most earnest request to make of you, which I knowyou will grant, as a proof of your love for me. "

The Major's brows contracted as he asked, reprovingly:

"Do you need any proof? Well, let's hear it. "

Hartmut clung still closer to him and his voice assumed its sweetestand most flattering tones, and the dark eyes were almost irresistible intheir look of entreaty, as he said beseechingly:

"Do not let me become a soldier, father. I do not like the professionyou have chosen for me, and I shall never learn to like it. If I haveuntil now, bowed to your will, it has been with repugnance and secrethatred, for I have been wretchedly unhappy; but I have never dared untilnow, to tell you of it. "

The frown on Falkenried's brow deepened, and he unfolded his son's armsfrom his neck. 

"In other words you will not obey, " he said in a bitter tone, "and foryou obedience is more necessary than anything else. "

"I cannot endure force and compulsion, " Hartmut broke out passionately. "And the service is nothing else but force and slavery. Always andeternally, obedience; never to have your own way, but ever, day afterday, to bow to an iron discipline. Always the same still, cold forms, with your own feelings never allowed to come to the surface--I cannotbear it longer! Everything within me strives for freedom, for light andlife. Let me leave it, father; do not confine me longer in such chains. I shall die, I shall suffocate!"

He could not have chosen more ill-advised words with which to plead hiscause, to a man who was heart and soul a soldier. They soundedpassionate and bitter, yet his arm was still on his father's shoulder;but the Major pushed him back now. 

"I had thought the service an honor, and no slavery, " he said cuttingly. "It is pretty bad when my own son is the first one to bring it to mynotice. Freedom, light and life! Perhaps you think when one reaches hisseventeenth year he has acquired the right to plunge into life withoutany further care or guidance. For you, freedom from restraint wouldmean destruction. "

"And if it did?" cried Hartmut, quite beside himself. "Ratherdestruction with freedom, than longer life with such restraint. For methe army means bondage and slavery--"

"Silence! Not a word more, " ordered Falkenried, so threateningly thatthe youth, in spite of his fearful passion, was awed. "You have now nochoice, and woe to you if you forget your duty. First you must become anofficer and do your duty as such to the full, like your comrades; then, if you are still of the same mind and I have no power to prevent it, youcan leave, but if I am alive then, I will receive my death blow when myonly son--runs away from the service. "

"Father, do you take me for a coward?" interrupted Hartmut. "If therewere only a war and I could stand in battle--"

"Yes, you would plunge madly and blindly into danger, and, with thatvery self-will which knows no discipline, rush on to destruction. Iknow, only too well, this wild, measureless desire for freedom fromevery restraint, which knows no limits, recognizes no duties; I knowfrom whom you have inherited it, and to what it will eventually lead. But as long as you are under my jurisdiction I will hold you fast tothat 'slavery' whether you hate it or not. You shall obey and learn toyield while there is yet time; and you shall learn it. I give you myword for that. "

His voice had again the old harsh sound to which his son was so wellaccustomed, and every vestige of tenderness had died out of his face. Hartmut knew that prayers or defiance were alike useless now. He utteredno syllable, but the old demon-like gleam in his eyes, which robbed himof all his beauty, was again manifest land on the lips so tightlypressed together lay a strange, evil expression as he turned silentlyto leave the room. His father followed him with his eyes, again he heardthe warning voice which came to him as a presentiment of coming evil, and he called his son back. 

"Hartmut, you'll be back in two hours? You give me your word for it?"

"Yes, father. " The answer sounded angry, but steadfast. 

"Very well, then I will treat you as a man. You have pledged your wordand may go in peace; be punctual. "

The young man had only been gone a few minutes when Wallmoden entered. 

"I knew you were alone, " he said. "I would not have disturbed you, but Isaw Hartmut hasten across the garden just now. Where is he going solate?"

"To his mother, to take leave of her. "

The diplomatist looked up startled at this unexpected intelligence. 

"With your consent?" he said surprised. 

"Certainly, I gave him permission. "

"How unwise. I thought you would have seen to it that Zalika did notaccomplish her ends; and now, whether it's right or wrong, you aresending your son to her. "

"Only for an hour, and only for a farewell, which I could not refuse. What are you afraid of now? Not that there will be any foul play?Hartmut is no baby to be carried off in a carriage in spite of himself. "

"But if he were willing it would be a different matter. "

"I have his word that he'll be back in a couple of hours, " said theMajor with emphasis. 

Wallmoden shrugged his shoulders: "The word of a boy of seventeen!"

"Who has had a soldier's education and knows the significance of hisword of honor. That gives me no anxiety; my fears are in anotherdirection. "

"Regine told me you and he understood one another at last, " remarkedWallmoden, with a glance at his friend's dark, gloomy face. 

"For a few minutes; then I had to be the stern, hard father again, andthis last hour has shown me how hard a task it will be to conquer anddirect this unruly, undisciplined nature, but for all that, I must andwill subdue it. "

His friend stepped to the window and looked out upon the garden. 

"It is twilight already and the Burgsdorf fish-pond is half an hour'swalk from here, " he said, half aloud. "You could have this last meetingheld in your presence if you saw fit. "

"And see Zalika again? Impossible! I could and would not do that. "

"If this farewell does not end as you anticipate--if Hartmut does notcome back?"

"Then he would be beneath contempt, a liar, " said Falkenried, "adeserter too, for he already carries arms at his side. But do not insultme with such thoughts, Herbert. It is my son of whom you speak. "

"He is Zalika's son also. But we won't discuss it any more. They arewaiting for you in the dining-room; you will not go to-night?"

"Yes, in two hours, " answered the Major, steadily and quietly. "Hartmutwill be back by then--I'll answer for it. "

The gray shadows of evening already lay on field and meadow, and theygrew each moment thicker and darker. The short hazy autumn day was at anend, and the clouded sky brought the night down more quickly than usual. A woman's figure could be seen pacing impatiently up and down on theshore of the little lake. She had a dark mantle drawn closely aroundher shoulders, but she paid little heed to the frosty evening air whichwas blowing about her; she was feverish with expectation, and her earwas strained to catch the first echo of approaching footsteps. 

Since the first day on which Willibald had surprised them both, and theyhad been forced to take him into their confidence, Zalika had chosen alate hour in the afternoon, and a lonely place in the wood for hermeetings with her son. She was accustomed to meet him before thetwilight began, in order that he might not attract attention byreturning late to Burgsdorf. He had always been punctual, but to-day hismother had waited already an hour, in vain. What accident had detainedhim, or had their secret been disclosed? Since a third knew it, she wasprepared for such a contingency. 

All was so silent in the wood that the rustle of her gown and her lightfootsteps as she walked to and fro, were the only sounds which greetedher ear. 

Beneath the tall trees lay long nocturnal shadows; over the pond wherethere was more light, being free from shade, hung a faint vapory cloud, and over yonder in the meadows, where a pool of water, concealed by themossy moorland, had formed, the mists had gathered still more thicklyand hung like a gray-white veil over all the heath. The air from themeadows was blowing damp and chill. 

At last there was a light step, faint and uncertain--then, as it came onquickly in the direction of the pond, firmer and more resolute. Now aslender figure came in view, scarcely recognizable in the gatheringdarkness, and Zalika flew to meet her son, who, in the next minute layin her arms. 

"What has happened?" she asked amidst the wonted stormy caresses. "Whyare you so late? I had begun to despair of seeing you to-day. Whatdetained you?"

"I could not come sooner, " Hartmut explained, still breathless, afterhis long run. "I come from my father. "

Zalika drew back. 

"From your father? And he knows--?"

"All!"

"So he is at Burgsdorf? Since when? who told him?"

The young man related in a few words all that had happened, but he hadnot finished when a bitter laugh from his mother interrupted him. 

"Of course, they are all in the plot together to keep me from my child. And your father? He has threatened and punished you again as if you werea criminal, because you have been in your mother's arms?"

Hartmut shook his head. The memory of the moment when his father drewhim to his breast was yet before him, despite all the bitterness withwhich the scene had ended. 

"No, " he said sadly, "but he has forbidden me to see you again, andsternly commanded me to part from you. "

"And in spite of all, you are here? O, I knew it!"

Her words had a joyful sound. 

"Do not triumph too soon, mamma, " her son answered her bitterly. "I onlycame to say good-bye. "

"Hartmut!"

"Father has given me permission to see you this time, and then--"

"Then he will take you away again, and you will be forever lost to me. Is that it?"

Hartmut did not answer, he only threw himself upon his mother's breastwith a wild, passionate sob, which had as much anger and bitterness init, as pain. 

It had now grown quite dark and the night was upon them, a cold, misty, autumn night, without moon or starlight, and over in the meadows, wherethe vapor was so dense, a light rain had just begun to fall, andthrough the rain and the mist a blue shimmering light appeared, nowfaint and dull, now with a clear, bright gleam like a flame. 

It disappeared, then started forth again a second and a third time--thewill-o'-the-wisp had begun its unearthly, spectral dance. 

"You are crying!" said Zalika holding her son fast in her arms. "I havelong foreseen this day, and if young Eschenhagen had not surprised usthe other morning. I should before this have given you the choicebetween returning to your father and forming some other plan. "

"What other plan? What do you mean?" asked Hartmut, perplexed. 

Zalika bent over him and although they were alone, her voice sank into awhisper. 

"Will you allow this tyranny to go on, will you permit yourself to beseparated from your mother and our holy love trodden under foot, withoutasserting yourself, or protecting our joint right? If you do permit it, you are no son of mine, and my blood does not flow in your veins. Hesent you to bid me farewell, and you take his word as final. Do youreally come to take leave of me, for long years, in all probability?"

"I must do it, " her son broke out despairingly. "You know my father. Against his iron will there is no appeal. "

"If you return to him--no! But who will force you to return?"

"Mamma. Do not tempt me, for the love of heaven!" he cried trying tofree himself from the arms which held him so fast, but the passionatevoice still whispered in his ear:

"What alarms you in the thought? You but go with your mother, who lovesyou with a boundless love and will live only for you. You have oftencomplained to me that you hate the service into which you are forced. Have you forgotten your longing for freedom? If you go back you have nooption, for your father will bind you fast in the chains, and he willbut shorten the links, when he sees you are intolerant of them. "

She had no need to tell her son this, for he knew it all better than shecould tell him. Scarcely an hour since, had he not heard the words: "Youshall obey and learn to yield while yet there is time. "

His voice was full of bitterness as he replied. 

"In any case, I must go back. I have given my word to be at Burgsdorfagain in two hours. "

"Really?" asked Zalika, sharply and scornfully. "I thought as much. Isee he treats you like a child, marks out your every step for you andgives you your allotted time, as if you had no judgment or mind of yourown; but the time has gone by to treat you thus, you are old enough toassume the prerogatives of a man. The day has come when you must showthat you are a man in action as well as word. A promise wrung from oneis valueless; tear asunder this invisible chain by which you are held, and set yourself free. "

"No--no, " murmured Hartmut, with another effort to free himself, but hismother held him fast in her arms. He turned his face away and lookedwith hot eyes into the dark night, upon the desolate blackness of thewood and across at the will-o'-the-wisp, still pursuing its erraticcourse, now rising with convulsive, trembling flame, now sinking intothe ground beneath, only to come up again quivering and glimmering. There was something ghostly and horrible, and withal strangelyfascinating in the ceaseless dance of this imp of night. 

"Come with me, my son, " Zalika begged, in those dulcet tones which werehers, as well as her son's. "I have long since prepared all for yourcoming; I knew of a certainty that this day would surely come. Mycarriage is waiting a short distance from here. We can soon reach therailway station and will be far on our way before they are any the wiserat Burgsdorf. With me lies freedom, life, happiness! I will take youaway and show you the great world, and when you are once in it, you willlearn to breathe freely and enjoy life, as one redeemed from slavery. Iknow what it is to be liberated from slavery. I, too, wore the chainswhich, in an hour of foolish fascination, I forged for myself, but Ishould have torn them apart in the first year had it not been for myunborn child. O, freedom is sweet, as you will soon learn. "

She knew only too well the words to choose to accomplish her purpose. Freedom, life, happiness. They signified so much. They echoed andre-echoed in the heart of the boy, whose longing for freedom had alwaysbeen repressed by a powerful hand. Now like a picture from a magician'shand, the fairy-like visions of promised liberty stood before him. Heneed but stretch out his hand and it was his own. 

"My word, " he murmured with a last feeble attempt to rescue himself. "Myfather will despise me--"

"When you have attained to a great, proud future, " Zalika interruptedhim excitedly, "then go to your father and ask him if he dares todespise you; he would bind you to the earth, but you have wings to flyabove it. He does not understand a nature like yours, and never will. Will you destroy yourself for the sake of a mere word and be a slaveforever? Come with me, Hartmut, with me to whom you are all the world. "

She led him slowly away, and he did not tear himself from her, but, asshe caressed him and called him fond names she felt that his going wasunder protest, and that she had needed all her wiles to accomplish it. Afew minutes later the pond was deserted, mother and son had disappeared, and even the sound of their retiring footsteps had died out in the nightair. Over the moor moved only that weird, spectral life. The flashinglights appeared and sank again in restless play, --mysterious breaths offlame from the deep. 

CHAPTER III. 

It was autumn again, and the warm, golden light of a September day layupon the woodland, which stretched away like a green ocean as far as eyecould reach. 

Hill and valley alternated with each other, all forest clad, and many amighty and moss-grown trunk in that great wilderness told of the forestprimeval which in the early days had covered all this part of SouthGermany. Elsewhere in the land, railways had been built, until there wasscarcely a hamlet whose slumbers were undisturbed by the shrill screamof the locomotive--but "the forest, " as the people called it, remainedapart, cut off from the world, a vast territory many miles in width, like a great, green island, unmoved by the waves of commotion andprogress from without. 

Here and there amid the forest green a little village peeped out, or anold castle reared its gray and weather-beaten battlements on high, as ifprotesting against its impending decay. There was but one building inthe whole region which yet stood strong, intact and massive, notwithstanding it was gray with age. 

It was called Fürstenstein, and was originally built as a hunting box, for the use of the sovereign. The duke's head forester occupied it allthe year round; and during the hunting season some members of the ducalfamily always held court there for several weeks. It had been built inthe early part of the last century, with the lavish waste of room whichmarked the style of that period. Standing on a high elevation, itcommanded a superb view over the surrounding country. 

The approach to the castle allowed no view of its proportions, for woodscovered the hill upon which it stood, and in places tall fir trees threwtheir shadows on tower and turret, so that one scarcely realized theimmensity of the building until he stood quite at the entrance gate. There were also a number of little structures clustering around the mainedifice, which had been added at different periods. Time was not allowedto make inroads here; everything was in perfect order and repair, andthe countless rooms on the second floor were always kept ready for theprince, who took possession of them at any time. 

The head forester, von Schönau, had occupied the immense ground floorfor years, and between filling his house with guests, and makingfrequent visits to his neighbors, managed to have a very agreeable time, notwithstanding the lonely situation. 

He had visitors now; his sister-in-law, Frau Regine von Eschenhagen hadarrived yesterday, and her son was expected soon. The two daughters ofthe Wallmoden family had made good marriages; while the elder marriedthe heir to Burgsdorf, the younger had wedded Herr von Schönau, the sonof a wealthy landed gentleman of a noble South German family. 

The sisters, in spite of the distance which separated them, had alwaysmaintained a close and affectionate intercourse, and since Frau vonSchönau's death, which occurred a few years after her marriage, FrauRegine had kept up the intimacy with her brother-in-law. 

It was a singular enough friendship which existed between these two, forthey always met, armed cap-a-pie, for battle. They were both strong, inconsiderate natures, and every time they saw one another theyquarrelled, and as regularly made their peace again, always promisingthere should be no further strife between them, which promise was keptuntil their next dispute, for which some opportunity would give rise, sometimes within an hour after their reconciliation, when anotherpitched battle would begin, as passionate and wordy as the last. 

At the present moment there seemed a truce between them as they sat onthe terrace in front of the reception room. The head forester, in spiteof his advancing years, was an erect, stately man, with strong, sunburntfeatures; his hair and beard were slightly gray, but still luxuriant. Now he leaned back in his chair listening to his sister-in-law, whogenerally did most of the talking. Frau Regine was now in her fiftiethyear, but the last ten years had not changed her much; her life ran onso smoothly and evenly. 

A wrinkle was to be found here and there in her face, and silver threadswere weaving their way into her dark hair, but the gray eyes had lostnothing of their clearness and sharpness, the voice was as full andresolute as ever, and her bearing as erect and energetic as formerly. 

"Willibald will be here in eight days, " she was saying. "The harvestingwas not quite done; but everything will be finished within the week, andthen he can come to meet his bride. The matter has been settled betweenus for a long time, but I was resolved to postpone it for some time, forwhat did a young thing of sixteen or seventeen, with childish notionsstill in her head know about the orderly direction of a household? Nowthat Toni is twenty years old, and Will twenty-seven, it is all right. Are you still perfectly satisfied that this betrothal is the best thingfor our children's future?"

"Perfectly satisfied, " assented the head forester. "I think everythingis as it should be. One half my fortune will go, some day, to my son, the other half to my daughter, and I think you may be well content withthe portion I have set aside as Toni's wedding gift. "

"Yes, you have been very liberal. As to Will, he came into possession ofBurgsdorf three years ago; the remainder of the fortune remains, by thewill, in my hands, and at my death goes, of course, to him. But I'veseen to it that the young people won't suffer. I have made ampleprovision for them. "

"No need for haste. We are only going to celebrate the betrothal now;the marriage won't be until next spring. "

And now the first cloud appeared on the clear heaven of their perfectharmony. Frau von Eschenhagen shook her head and said dictatorially:

"We won't postpone it any longer now. The wedding must take place thiswinter. Willibald has no time to get married in the spring. "

"Nonsense, a man always has time to get married, " declared Schönau, justas dictatorially. 

"Not in the country, " asserted Frau Regine. "There something else mustbe considered; first work, then pleasure. That's always been the rulewith us, and that's what I've taught Will. "

"I trust he'd make an exception as regards his young wife; otherwisehe's little better than a milksop, " cried the forester, angrily. "Aboveall, Regine, you must remember my stipulation. My Toni has not seen yourson for two years. If he does not please her--she has free choice, youunderstand. "

His speech touched his sister-in-law on her most sensitive point; hermotherly pride was outraged. 

"My dear Moritz, I have more confidence than you, apparently, in yourdaughter's good taste. As for the rest, I hold to the good old customthat children should marry whom their parents select. It was that way inour day, and we have found no cause of complaint. What do young peopleknow of such serious matters any way? But you have let your childrenhave their own way from the very start; any one could soon tell thatthere was no mother in this house. "

"Well, was that my fault?" asked Schönau, incensed. "Perhaps, I ought tohave given them a step-mother. I suggested it to you once, but youwouldn't hear of it, Regine. "

"No, I had been married once, " was the dry answer, and it seemed toincrease the head forester's irritation. He shrugged his shouldersspitefully. 

"Well, I certainly think you had no cause for complaint against poorEschenhagen. He, and all his people at Burgsdorf danced when you piped. With me you would not have ordered the regiment about so easily. "

"In about four weeks, " Frau Regine declared calmly, "you would all havebeen under my command, Moritz. "

"What! You say that to my face? Well, I'd just like to prove it foronce, " retorted Schönau, full of wrath now. 

"Thank you, I shouldn't care to marry a second time, so give yourself nouneasiness. "

"I can assure you I didn't mean an offer. I wouldn't think of such athing for a moment. One refusal was enough for me. So you need nottrouble giving me a second one. "

With these words the master of the house rose, pushed back his chairnoisily, and left his guest abruptly. Frau von Eschenhagen remainedquietly sitting alone for some time, then she called out in a friendlytone:

"Moritz. "

"What is it?" he growled from the other side of the terrace. 

"When are Herbert and his young wife coming?"

"At twelve o'clock, " the voice had an ill-tempered ring yet. 

"I am so glad. I have not seen him since he was sent to the South Germancapital, but I have always maintained that Herbert was the pride of ourfamily, and he keeps up enough state for us all. Now you see he isPrussian ambassador at your court, and is 'Your Excellency. '"

"And then he's a young husband of six and fifty, don't forget that, "interrupted the forester spitefully. 

"Yes, he took his time about marrying, but he made a dazzling match atlast. For a man of his years it was no easy matter to win such a wife asAdelheid, young, beautiful, rich--"

"And of common birth, " added Schönau. 

"Stuff and nonsense! Who asks any questions now-a-days about birth when animmense fortune stands behind it? Herbert can use money now, too; he hasbeen hampered for means his life long, and now, as ambassador, he needsmore to keep up the position than he could possibly supply. But mybrother need never be ashamed of his father-in-law. Stahlberg was at thehead of one of our greatest industries, and a man of honor, through andthrough. It was a pity he died so soon after his daughter's marriage. At all events they made a very sensible choice. "

"So that's what you call a sensible choice, do you, when a girl ofeighteen marries a man old enough to be her father?" asked Schönau, who, in the heat of discussion, came back to his sister-in-law again. "To besure she has a high place in society now, as the wife of His Excellency, the Ambassador, and is a baroness and all that. But to me thisbeautiful, cool Adelheid, with her 'sensible' ideas, which would do agrandmother credit, is not at all sympathetic. A thoughtless maiden, whofalls over head and ears in love, and then declares to her parents, 'This one, or none, ' suits me far better. "

"Those are fine opinions for the father of a family to express, " criedFrau von Eschenhagen, much ruffled. "It's a good thing that Toniinherited my sister's good sense, otherwise she would be coming to youwith some such a speech one of these days. But Stahlberg educated hisdaughter better. I know it from himself. She was trained to follow hiswishes, and accepted Herbert at once when he offered himself. But ofcourse you know nothing about educating children; it stands to reasonthat you should not. "

"What? I, a man and a father, and know nothing about educatingchildren?" cried Schönau, red with anger. They were now both on the fairway to have another pitched battle, when they were happily interruptedby the appearance of a young girl, the daughter of the house, whostepped out on the terrace at this moment. 

Antonie von Schönau could never be called beautiful, but she had herfather's fine figure and a fresh, glowing face, with clear brown eyes. Her nut-brown hair was laid in smooth braids around her head, and herattire, although perfectly suitable for a girl of her station, was yetquite simple. But Antonie was in the first bloom of youth, and thatcharm outweighed all others. As she stepped out now, looking so freshand rosy and healthy, she was a daughter after Frau Regine's own heart, and that lady immediately brought the strife to an end and gave her asmiling nod. 

"Father, the carriage is on its way back from the station, " said theyoung lady, in very deliberate, almost drawling tones. "It is at thefoot of the castle hill already, and Uncle Wallmoden will be here infifteen minutes. "

"Bless me, they have driven quickly!" exclaimed her father, whose facehad cleared at the news. "Are the guest chambers in order?"

Toni nodded composedly, as if to say her duties were never neglected;then, as her father left the terrace to watch the approach of theguests, Frau von Eschenhagen, with a glance at the basket which the girlcarried on her arm, said:

"Well, Toni, you are always busy. "

"I have been in the kitchen-garden, dear auntie. The gardener declaredthere were no more ripe pears, so I went out to see for myself, andpicked a whole basket full. "

"That's right, my child, " said her future mother-in-law, highly pleased, "you must keep an eye on the servants and use your hands, too, occasionally, if you want to get on in this world. You'll make a finehousekeeper. But come, now, we must go to meet your uncle, too. "

Herr von Schönau was already far across the terrace, and was juststarting down the broad flight of stone steps which led from the castlecourt, when a man stepped out from one of the side buildings, and stood, respectful and silent, with his hat off. 

"Well, Stadinger, is that you? What's brought you to Fürstenstein?" thehead forester called out. "Come here!"

Stadinger approached as commanded; in spite of his snow-white hair hecame forward with a firm, erect step, while a pair of sharp, dark eyespeered out from his brown, weather-beaten face. 

"I was with the castellan, Herr von Schönau, " he explained, "and havebeen asking him to lend us a few of his servants to help us, for we'rebusy up to our eyes at Rodeck, and have not people enough for all thework. "

"Ah, yes, Prince Egon is back from his Oriental tour. I heard thatbefore, " said Schönau. "But how does it happen that he's come to such asmall place as Rodeck, with little room and less comfort?"

Stadinger shrugged his shoulders. "Heaven knows! But our young princefollows his own sweet will, and no one dare ask why. One morning thenews came, and the castle people hardly know whether they are standingon their heads or their heels. I had enough trouble to get the placeready in two days. "

"I can believe that; no one has visited Rodeck for years, but theprince's visit will put some life in the old walls, at any rate. "

"Well, it turns everything topsy-turvey, " growled the castle steward. "If you only knew how we have been upset, Herr Schönau. The hunting-roomis crammed full of lion and tiger skins, and all sorts of stuffedanimals, and monkeys and parrots are sitting around in all the rooms. The whole place is in such an uproar from them that one can't hear one'sself speak. And now his highness has just announced to me that there area troop of elephants and a great sea-serpent on the way. I think Istruck a blow at them, though. "

"What is on the way?" inquired the head forester, who did not believe hehad heard aright. 

"A sea-serpent and a dozen elephants. I have fought against them withall my might. 'Your highness, ' I said, 'we cannot accommodate any moreanimals, and as to the sea-serpent, such a beast will need water and wehave no pond at Rodeck. And if the elephants do come we'll have to chainthem to trees in the forest, I know no other way. '"

"'That's just the thing' his highness answered, 'just chain them to thetrees, that'll be very wild and picturesque, and we'll send thesea-serpent to board at Fürstenstein; the castle fish-pond is bigenough. ' Herr Schönau, he will people the whole neighborhood with thesemonsters, I believe. "

The head forester laughed aloud, and gave the steward, who seemed toenjoy his special favor, a hearty slap on the shoulder. 

"But, Stadinger, have you really taken all this in earnest? You ought toknow the prince better. He certainly does not seem to come back anysteadier than he went away. "

"No indeed, he does not, " sighed Stadinger. "And what his highness doesnot devise for himself, Herr Rojanow hatches for him. He is the worst ofthe two. It's hard lines that such a dare-devil should be quartered onus. "

"Rojanow? Who is he?" asked Schönau, all attention now. 

"I hardly know, but he's come with the prince, who cannot live withouthim. He met this friend in some heathen country. Maybe he is ahalf-heathen, or Turk; he looks enough like one, with his dark face andstrange eyes. And the fellow, with his airs and orders acts as if hewere the lord and master of Rodeck. But he's as handsome as a picture, handsomer even than our prince, who, by the way has given orders thatHerr Rojanow is to be obeyed in all things just like himself. "

"More than probable it's an adventurer with whom the prince is amusinghimself, " murmured Schönau, and aloud he said: "Well good-bye, Stadinger, I must meet my brother-in-law now, and don't lose any sleepover the sea-serpent. When his highness threatens you with it again, tell him I will gladly keep it for him in our fish-pond, but I must seeit alive first. "

He nodded laughingly to the old steward and stepped down to the entrancegateway. Frau von Eschenhagen and her niece were already there, and aminute after he joined them, the carriage turned into the broad, smoothroad and was driven rapidly up to the great entrance. 

Regine was the first to greet the travelers. She pressed her brother'shand so heartily that he was forced to draw it back. The head foresterwas somewhat diffident; he had a certain feeling of shyness in thepresence of his diplomatic brother-in-law, whose sarcastic tongue hesecretly feared. But Toni did not allow "his excellency" her uncle, orhis wife, either, to ruffle her wonted composure. 

The years had not treated Herbert von Wallmoden so gently as they hadhis sister. He had aged perceptibly; his hair was grey now, and thesarcastic lines around his mouth had deepened. But he was the same coldaristocrat as ever, perhaps even a shade colder and more distant. Withthe exalted position to which he had attained, the feeling ofsuperiority, which had ever been his chief characteristic, seemed tostrengthen. 

The young wife by his side was always taken by strangers to be hisdaughter. Unquestionably the ambassador's choice had proved his goodtaste. Adelheid von Wallmoden was indeed lovely, but her beauty was ofthat chill, statuesque type which awakens only cold admiration, and sheseemed to have been born to occupy the position in the world to whichher marriage had raised her. The young bride, not quite nineteen, andonly six months a wife, exhibited a coolness of behavior and as completea knowledge of all the forms and obligations of her social position, asif she had been at the side of her elderly husband for half a lifetime. 

Wallmoden was politeness and attentiveness itself to her. He offered herhis arm now, after the first greetings were over, to conduct her to herown apartments, and a few minutes later returned alone to the terrace tohave a talk with his sister. 

The intercourse between this brother and sister was in many respectsvery singular. 

Regine was as uncouth in outward appearance as she was rugged incharacter, and the direct opposite of her courtly brother in everyparticular; but still, as they sat side by side now, after their longseparation, there was a look on both faces which told that themysterious bond of kinship was much to them both, despite the antagonismwhich so often came to the fore. 

Herbert was made rather nervous during their conversation, for Reginedid not think it necessary to refrain from brusque questioning or candidcomment, and her brother was frequently embarrassed and annoyed by both, but he had learned from experience the uselessness of striving to checkher open speech, so gave himself up to the inevitable with a sigh. Ofcourse, among other things, she spoke of Willibald's and Toni'sbetrothal, of which Wallmoden fully approved. 

The subject had been worn threadbare long years ago, so there was littlereally to be said. And now Frau von Eschenhagen branched off on anothertheme. 

"Well, Herbert, how do you feel now you're a married man?" asked hissister. "You certainly were long enough about making up your mind, butbetter late than never, and I must admit that for an old gray-head likeyou, you have made a very good selection. "

This frank reference to his age did not seem to please the ambassador;he pressed his lips tightly together for a moment, and then answered hissister sharply:

"My dear Regine, you should strive to use a little tact in yourconversation. I know my age well enough, but the position which Ioccupy, and to which I elevated Adelheid by marriage, more thancompensates for the difference in our ages. "

"Well, that's true enough, and the marriage portion she brought you isnot to be despised, " assented Regine, quite unmoved by his sharp tones. "Have you presented your wife at Court yet?"

"Yes, two weeks ago, at the summer Capitol. My father-in-law's deathprevented my doing so before. But this winter we must keep open house, as my position demands it. I was greatly surprised and pleased atAdelheid's behavior at Court. She acted with a calmness and proudsecurity, upon this entirely strange ground, which was worthy of allpraise. I was all the more convinced how wise my choice had been inevery respect. Well now, about home matters; before everything else, tell me about Falkenried?"

"Well, what is there for me to tell? Don't you write one anotherregularly?"

"Yes, but his letters are always short and monosyllabic. I wrote him ofmy marriage, but his congratulations were very laconic. You must see himfrequently, since he has been made minister of war, as you are so nearthe city. "

A shadow darkened Regine's clear eyes, and she shook her head sadly. "You are mistaken, the colonel scarcely ever comes to Burgsdorf. Hegrows more reserved and unapproachable each year. "

"I am sorry to hear it; he has always made an exception of you, and Ihoped you could use your influence to bring him often to Burgsdorf. Haveyou made no attempt to renew the old intimacy?"

"I did at first, but I have finally given it up as hopeless, for I sawthat I was only annoying him. There is nothing to be done, Herbert. Since that unfortunate catastrophe he has been turned to stone. You haveseen him several times yourself, since then, and know he lives bereft ofhope. "

Wallmoden's face clouded darkly, and his voice was very bitter as hereplied: "Yes, that boy Hartmut has done for him, that's certain. It'sover ten years ago now, however, and I did hope Falkenried would takesome interest in life again by this time. "

"I never hoped that, " said Frau von Eschenhagen, earnestly. "The lifehas all gone from the roots. I shall never forget, as long as I live, how he looked on that fateful evening, when we waited and waited, firstwith uneasiness and apprehension, then with deadly anxiety. You graspedthe truth at once, but I would not let you say a word while there was achance. I can see him now as he stood at the window staring out into thenight, with drawn features and face like death, and to every word ofours only the one answer. 'He will come! He must come! I have his word. 'And when in spite of all, Hartmut did not come, and we repaired to therailway station at daybreak, only to learn that they two, mother andson, had taken the express train hours before. God preserve us, may Inever see such a look on a man's face again. I made you promise to stayby him, for I thought he would put a bullet through his heart before theday was over. "

"You were wrong there, " said Wallmoden with decision. "A man ofFalkenried's temperament would consider it cowardice to commit suicide, even though the days of his life were one continued torture. I do notventure to think what would have happened though, had he been allowed tocarry out his intention at that time. "

"I know, " interrupted his sister, "that he asked for his discharge, because, with his keen sense of honor, he could not bear to servelonger, after his son had become a deserter. It was a step prompted bydespair. "

"Yes, and it was his only salvation, that he, with his militaryknowledge and skill, was not allowed to sink into oblivion. The chief ofthe General's staff took up the matter and brought it before the King, and they decided that the father should not be allowed to sacrificehimself for a boy's rash action, and that the service could not losesuch a highly esteemed officer. So they would not accept hisresignation, but permitted him to go to a distant garrison, where thematter was never mentioned in his presence. Now, after ten years, it'sburied and forgotten by the whole world. "

"With one exception, " said Regine sorrowfully. "My heart aches wheneverI think of what Falkenried once was, and what he is now. The bitterexperience of his marriage made him gloomy and unsocial, but in goodtime he recovered himself a little, and his whole soul turned to his boyand his boy's advancement. Now everything is lost and the rigid, starkfulfilment of duty is all that remains; all else is dead within him, andas a sequence, all his old friendships have become painful to him--wemust let him go his own way. "

She broke off with a sigh, as the face of her girlhood's friend camebefore her mind's eye. Then laying her hand on her brother's arm, shesaid in conclusion:

"Perhaps you are right, Herbert, when you say that a man chooses morewisely when he has come to years of discretion. You need not fearFalkenried's fate; your wife has good blood in her veins. I knew HerrStahlberg well; he worked earnestly and with capability, too, or hewould never have succeeded as he did in life. And he was ever an honestman, even after he became a millionaire, and Adelheid is her father'sdaughter, bone and sinew. You have chosen well for yourself, and Irejoice with you from the bottom of my heart. "

 * * * * *

The little hunting castle of Rodeck which belonged to the princely houseof Adelsberg, lay but a few miles distant from "Fürstenstein, " in themidst of the deep forest. The small, plain building containing at mostbut a dozen rooms, had been hastily prepared for the unexpected comingof the prince. It had not been used for years, and had a neglectedappearance. But as one stepped out from the dark, gloomy forest upon thelight greensward, and saw the old building with its high, pointed roof, and its four little towers guarding the corners, it seemed verypicturesque in its loneliness. 

The Adelsbergs were old-time princes of the German empire who had longsince lost their sovereignty, but who still retained their princelytitle, together with an immense fortune which included very great landedpossessions. The family had dwindled in number so that there were butfew representatives left, and only one in the direct line, Prince Egon, and he as owner of the family estates and through kinship on his deadmother's side with the reigning house, played a conspicuous part amongthe nobility of the country. 

The young prince was understood to be very wild and erratic, and a manwho was always forming eccentric attachments. He cared little forprincely etiquette, and followed the whim of the moment. The old princehad held the reins with a tight hand, but at his death Egon vonAdelsberg became his own master, and since that time, had followed hisown free course without check or restraint. 

He had just now returned from a two years' tour in the East, and insteadof going to his palace in the capital, or to one of his magnificentlyappointed castles, always in readiness to receive him, no matter whatthe season, he had, on the spur of the moment, decided upon this littlehunting castle of Rodeck, where he could not be comfortably housed, andwhere the few retainers who took charge of the place, were ill-preparedfor such an honor. But as old Stadinger had said, no one dare ask why ofthe prince; he did as the humor of the hour pleased him. 

It was the morning of a sunny autumn day. Upon the broad velvety lawn, two men attired in hunting costume, were standing talking to thesteward, while in the broad court a few yards beyond, stood a light, open carriage, awaiting its owner's pleasure. The two young men seemed, at a first glance, to resemble one another. Both had tall, slenderfigures, deeply browned faces, and eyes in which the fiery arrogance ofyouth burned fiercely; but a nearer view showed how totally dissimilarthey were, after all. 

It was evident that the younger man, who was about twenty-four yearsold, owed his dark complexion to his long residence beneath a fiercesun, for his light, curly hair and blue eyes were not the fittingaccompaniments for such a browned skin, but were unquestionably German. He had a blonde beard, curly like the hair which surrounded hishandsome, open countenance, but the face hardly coincided with one'sideas of perfect beauty. The forehead was somewhat too narrow and thefeatures were not regular, but something in his expression reminded oneof clear sunshine, it was so good-natured and so winning. 

His companion, who was a few years his senior, had nothing of thissunlight in his face, although his appearance was undoubtedly the moredistinguished of the two. Slender, like his companion, he was much thetaller, and his dark skin was not the legacy of an eastern sun. It wasof that faint brown which makes the freshest face look pale, and theblue-black hair, which fell in heavy locks on his high forehead, onlyserved to heighten this appearance of pallor. It was a beautiful face, with its noble, proud lines so marked and expressive, but there weredeep shadows on it, too, on the brow and across the eyes, shadows foundbut seldom in so youthful a countenance. The great, dark eyes in which ashade of melancholy always lay, spoke of hot, unrestrained passion, andthe fire which blazed within them had a mysterious, unearthlyfascination. One felt that these orbs possessed some uncanny power, butthey were in accord with the man's whole personality, which had about itsomething of this same strange witchery. 

"Well, I cannot help you, Stadinger, " said the younger of the men. "Thenew cases must be unpacked and places found for the things. Where--thatis your business. "

"But, your highness, it is absolutely impossible!" remonstratedStadinger, in a tone which showed that he was on a pretty sure footingwith his young master. "There's not an empty corner in all Rodeck. Ihave had the greatest trouble already to house all the people yourhighness brought with you, and every day chests bigger than a house arearriving, and ever the same cry: 'Unpack that, Stadinger! Make a placefor this, Stadinger. ' And hundreds of rooms empty in the other castles. "

"Stop grumbling, you old ghost of the woods, and make places, "interrupted the prince. "The chests that have come must be unpacked inRodeck for the time being at least, and if the worst comes to the worst, you must find room in your own house for them. "

"Yes, indeed, Stadinger has room and to spare in his own house forthem, " it was the tall, dark man who spoke now. "And I'll superintendthe unpacking myself. "

"That's a good plan, " said the prince, heartily, "and Zena can assisthim; she is at home yet, I suppose?"

"No, your highness, she has gone away. "

"Away!" cried prince Egon. "And where has she gone?"

"To the city, " was the laconic answer. 

"That won't do. You should keep your grandchild with you here at Rodeckall winter. "

"That matter seems to have arranged itself, " answered the steward withquiet dignity. "Just now my old sister, Rosa, is at home with me. If youshould come to my humble dwelling, Herr Rojanow, she would feel greatlyhonored. "

Rojanow gave him a glance which was anything but friendly, and the youngprince said sharply:

"Look here, Stadinger, you are treating us after a most unwarrantablefashion. You send Zena away, for no reason in the world, and she's theonly one worth seeing about the whole place. There's not a woman inRodeck who isn't past sixty and whose head doesn't wobble from side toside, and as to the belles of the kitchen whom you brought fromFürstenstein to help us out, they're worse looking than our own people. "

"Your highness need not look at them, " suggested the steward. "I gavestrict orders that none of the maids were to come into the castle, butif your highness goes to the kitchen, as you did the day beforeyesterday--"

"Well, I must inspect my domestic arrangements once in a while. But Iwon't go near the kitchen a second time, I promise you that. But I'mprovoked enough at you for having gathered together all the repulsivelooking creatures in the neighborhood as soon as you knew I was coming. You should be ashamed of yourself, Stadinger. "

The old man looked his young master full in the face, and his voice hadan impressive sound, as he answered: "I am not at all ashamed, yourhighness. When that prince of blessed memory, your father, assigned meto this peaceful post, he said to me: 'Keep everything quiet and orderlyat Rodeck, Stadinger; remember, I depend upon you. ' Well, I have kepteverything in order around this castle for twelve years, and moreespecially have I guarded those of my own household, and I mean to do sofor the future, too. Has your highness any other orders for me?"

"No, you old boor!" cried the prince, half amused, half angry. "Go on, now; we don't need any sermon on morals. "

Stadinger obeyed, he bowed low and marched off. Rojanow glanced afterhim and shrugged his shoulders with a sneer. 

"I admire your forbearance, Egon; you certainly permit your servants tospeak very freely--"

"Oh, Stadinger is an exception, " declared Egon. "Of late days he hasallowed himself great latitude, but as to his sending Zena away hewasn't far wrong. I'd have done the same thing in his place. "

"It isn't the first time the old fellow has made so bold as to call usboth to account. If I were his master--he'd get his dismissal in thissame hour. "

"I'm afraid if I attempted that, it would be all the worse for me, "laughed the prince. "Such an old heir-loom, who has served threegenerations already, and trotted me on his knee as a baby, deserves tobe treated with respect. I would gain nothing by commanding and callinghim to account. Peter Stadinger does what he pleases, and whenever itsuits him, reads me a little text into the bargain. "

"How you can permit such liberties is incomprehensible. "

"It is natural that you should not understand it, Hartmut, " said hisfriend, earnestly. "You only know the submissiveness of Sclavishservants in your own home, and in the Orient. They kneel and prostratethemselves whenever opportunity offers, and betray their masters atevery turn, when it can be done with safety. Stadinger is a man with nocivility in him. It doesn't make the least difference to him that I am'your highness. ' He is no respecter of persons, and has often said themost insulting things to my face, but I could leave hundreds ofthousands in his hands, and he would guard every pfennig, and if Rodeckwere in a blaze, and I within it, his seventy years would not preventhim plunging into the flames to rescue me--that's how it is with us inGermany. "

"Yes, with you in Germany, " Hartmut repeated slowly, as he fixed hiseyes dreamily on the forest shadows. 

"Are you as much prejudiced against us as ever?" asked Egon. "I had tobeg you hard enough to get you to come with me, for you seemed resolvednever to put foot on German soil again. "

"I would I had not done so, " said Rojanow, darkly. "You know--"

"That you associate bitter memories with my country--yes. You told methat much, but you must have been a boy at the time. You should haveoutgrown your dislike by now. You are, on this point, so obstinatelyreserved, that to this day I have never learned what it is that you--"

"Egon, I beg you, drop the subject, " said Hartmut, almost rudely. "Ihave declared to you more than once, that I will not and cannot speak onthe subject of my early life. If you are suspicious of me, let me go; Ihave not forced myself upon you, you know that, but I will not endurethis questioning. "

The hard, proud tone which he used toward his princely friend, seemednot unknown to the latter, who only shrugged his shoulders and saidappeasingly:

"How excited you get in a moment; I believe you are right when youmaintain that the air of Germany makes you nervous. You certainly havechanged since you set foot in the country. "

"Possibly; I feel it myself, and I know I annoy you with my queertempers lately, so you'd better let me go, Egon. "

"I will guard you well, instead. I did not catch you so easily that Ican let you fly again after all my trouble. So remember that, Hartmut, for I won't let you go free at any price. "

The words had a joking sound, but Rojanow seemed to resent them. Hiseyes were dark, almost threatening, as he replied:

"But what if I will go?"

"But you won't, for I will hold you closer than ever. " Egon laid hisarm affectionately on his friend's shoulder. "I wonder how this bad, obstinate Hartmut can answer to his conscience for even thinking ofleaving me alone. Have we not lived together for nearly two years, andshared the same dangers and pleasures like brothers? And now you talkabout deserting me, without even a question as to how I'll get alongwithout you. Do you think I value your friendship so little, dear oldfellow?"

The words were so warm and sincere that Rojanow's ill-temper wasconquered. His eyes lighted up at the mention of their long and closefriendship, and he answered in a voice which bespoke a sincere affectionfor his friend:

"Do you think that any one but you could have drawn me to Germany atall?" he said, softly. "Forgive me, Egon. I am an unstable nature andhave always been a rover since--since my boyhood. "

"Well, learn to settle yourself here--here in my home, " exclaimed Egon. "I only stay at Rodeck that you may see its many and varied beauties. This old building, hidden away in the midst of the forest, is averitable production of fairy-land, a woodland poem, such as you willnot find at any of my other castles. The others suit me better, though Iknow this is to your taste. But now I must really go. You won't ride?"

"No, I will enjoy the much-praised poetry of these woods, which seem toweary you so soon. You can make your visit alone. "

"I'll admit I'm not a poet like you, who can muse and dream all daylong, " said Egon laughing. "For a full week we have led hermits' lives, but I cannot live on sunshine, woody odors and Stadinger's sermons anylonger. I must see my fellow-men, and the head forester is the onlygentleman in the neighborhood; and besides, Herr von Schönau is asplendid, jolly fellow. You will like him when you meet him. "

He jumped into the carriage, waved a parting greeting to his friend, andwas off. Rojanow looked after him until the vehicle had disappearedbehind the trees, then he turned and struck into a path which led intothe forest. 

He carried a gun over his shoulder, but his thoughts were not bent onsport. He went on heedlessly, with no idea of direction, and with nothought of the distance which he was putting between himself and Rodeck, which was each moment becoming greater. 

Prince Adelsberg was right when he said he knew this wild, mountainscenery was to his friend's taste. The very air had for him a certainsorcery. He stood still at last and took some long, deep breaths, butthe cloud on his brow had not yet disappeared; it grew darker instead, as he leaned against a tree and cast his eyes around him. 

The beauty of the sunny, autumn day, the picturesqueness of the grandold wood, could not bring to this handsome, joyless face one expressionof peace or content. 

He saw this country for the first time; his boyhood's home lay far tothe north, and yet this place, so different from his father's birthplaceand his own, brought back the past with all its painful recollections, and awakened anew within him feelings he had thought long dead andburied. Feelings and thoughts which had never troubled him during thelong years in which by land or sea, he had drunk of that freedom forwhich he had sacrificed so much. 

The old German woods! They whispered here in the South, just as they haddone in the North; the same wind moved the branches of the fir and theoak, and whistled through the tops of the distant pine trees. Yes, thesewere the self-same voices which had once told all their secrets to thewillful boy lying on the mossy bank of the Burgsdorf fish pond. 

There was a stir and sound as of some one moving between the trees. Hartmut looked up indifferently, expecting to see an animal of some kindspring out, but he saw instead the fluttering of a light gown betweenthe low bushes, and from a little side path, which he had not beforenoticed, a young lady stepped out, almost in front of him, and stoodhesitatingly, evidently uncertain what direction to take. 

Rojanow was roused from his dreaming by this unexpected apparition, andthe stranger caught sight of him at once. She appeared surprised, too, but only for a second, then she stepped forward, and said, with a slightbow:

"May I beg you, sir, to show me the way to Fürstenstein? I am a strangerhere and have lost my way, and am, I fear, far from the place I seek. "

Hartmut had taken in at a glance the young lady's appearance; andresolved immediately to become her guide. He did not know the way forwhich she inquired, and only had a vague idea of the direction in whichthe castle lay, but that troubled him little. He bowed gracefully as hesaid:

"I place myself quite at your disposal, Fräulein. Fürstenstein is somedistance from here, and it would be impossible for you to find the wayalone. I must, therefore, beg you to allow me to accompany you. "

The lady had expected nothing more than that the way would be pointedout to her; this stranger's offer was not altogether agreeable, but shefeared she might lose her way a second time, and the perfect politenesswith which the offer was made, scarcely left her any choice. After amoment's hesitation she bowed slightly and said:

"I thank you. Pray let us lose no time, then. "

CHAPTER IV. 

Rojanow fastened the strap which held his gun a little more securely, and turned at once into a narrow, half overgrown path, which layunquestionably in the direction of Fürstenstein. 

Without further parley he assumed the role of guide, and the adventurebegan to have charms for him. 

The stranger was certainly lovely enough to inspire him with zeal in herservice. The clear, delicate oval of her face, the high, smoothforehead, with its heavy crown of blonde hair, the regular features, were all in perfect harmony. The beauty of the countenance wasfaultless, though cold and symmetrical, with an expression whichbetokened energy of character and great strength of purpose. The girlwas at most only eighteen or nineteen years old, but oddly enough, shepossessed none of that indescribable attractiveness which seems thenatural accompaniment of girlhood, nothing of the hilarity and naivetéof youth. The great blue eyes gazed at you earnestly but coldly, and youfelt instinctively that the soul which looked out through them neverlost itself in girlish dreams of brave heroes and suppliant lovers. Thebearing and appearance was haughty and reserved, yet in form and gestureshe was gracefulness itself. 

Rojanow had time and leisure to notice all this as he directed hercourse, sometimes behind her, sometimes in front, now holding back thelow, overhanging branches, and a second later warning her of some suddenirregularity in the ground. The narrow forest footpath was anything buta pleasant road for a ramble, and was an especially trying passage forthe woman. Her dress caught frequently on thorn and branch, and her longgauze veil had to be loosened from more than one bramble, while her feetsank, time and again, in the soft, moist, moss-covered earth. It couldnot be helped, and yet Hartmut felt in his self assumed position asguide, that he was not covering himself with as much glory as be couldhave wished. 

"I regret extremely, Fräulein, that you are obliged to take souncomfortable a path, " he said politely. "I fear you will be exhausted, but we are in the thickest part of the forest and have consequently nochoice. "

"I do not become exhausted so easily, " was the answer. "I care littleabout the disagreeable features of the way, if it will but lead me tothe goal. "

The remark had a somewhat unusual sound coming as it did from the mouthof a young girl; Rojanow thought so, at any rate, and he gave a slightmocking smile as he repeated:

"If it lead to the goal! You are quite right, that is my idea too; butladies generally cherish other opinions. They prefer to be carriedquietly over all the rough places. "

"Not all! You err there; many women much prefer going alone, withoutsubmitting to watch and ward, as though they were children. "

"Well, perhaps there are exceptions. I prize the accident which hasafforded me the opportunity of seeing so charming--"

Hartmut, who was on the point of uttering a very florid compliment, stopped suddenly, for the cold blue eyes met his with such a look ofsurprise and hauteur that the words died on his lips. 

At this moment the lady's veil caught once more in the branch of anoverhanging thorn, which held it fast. She stopped, and her attentivecompanion reached out his hand to free the delicate tissue, when shesuddenly tore it from her hat, with a quick motion, and left itfluttering on the branch. 

Rojanow bit his lips in vexation; the adventure was not at all what hehad expected. He had thought to find this young woman a dependent, timidcreature, who would be very grateful and would turn to him forprotection, just like many another with whom he had come in contact inhis rovings; but this pale girl made it very clear to him by a glance, that he was nothing but a guide and must conduct himself as such. Who, and what was she? Still in her teens, and yet acting with all thereserve and self-possession of a great lady, knowing full well how tomake herself unapproachable. He resolved to enlighten himself on thismatter. 

Now the narrow path ended and they stepped out into a small clearing inthe forest, with thick woods again to the left. It was not an easy thingjust here for a man who knew nothing of the region to decide whichdirection to take. But Hartmut was not to be daunted, neither did heintend to exhibit any irresolution, so with apparent security he went onin the same direction they had followed from the beginning, andfortunately enough soon struck into a broad wagon road which crossedthat part of the forest. Before long, thought Hartmut, they must surelycome to some place where they could obtain a view of the surroundingcountry and get their bearings. 

The wider road enabled him to walk beside his companion, and he resolvedto enter upon a conversation which the many obstacles in their path hadmade, until now, almost an impossibility. 

"I have hesitated about presuming to present myself to you, Fräulein, "he began. "My name is Rojanow, and I am, for the time being, at Rodeck, a guest of Prince Adelsberg, who, if you reside at Fürstenstein, has theadvantage of being your neighbor. "

"No, I do not belong to Fürstenstein. I am, also, only a guest, " repliedthe lady. The princely neighbor and name of her companion, appeared tobe alike matters of indifference to her; neither did she deem itnecessary to give her own name in return. She merely bowed slightly asshe spoke. 

"Ah, then you probably live in the capital, and are only here to enjoy afew weeks of the fine autumn weather?" continued Rojanow. 

"Yes. "

The monosyllable had a very cold, reserved sound, but Hartmut was notthe man to be turned from his course by a rebuff. He was accustomed toovercome all restraints and obstructions by the power of hisfascinations, and that one of the sex from which he had never receivedanything but adulation, should refuse to succumb, was little less thanan insult. There lay a charm, too, in the thought that he would forcethis lovely creature into conversation with him, notwithstanding herreserve. 

"Are you pleased with Fürstenstein?" he asked. "I have never been nearthe castle, and have only seen it in the distance, but it seems tooverawe the whole region with its magnificence. A singular taste indeedto find anything lovely in this landscape, and erect a palace here. "

"Evidently not your taste, at least. "

"I am not specially fond of uniformity, and here there is nothing butsameness. Woods and woods, and nothing but woods--at times one is almostdriven to despair. "

There was a hidden rancour in these words, as if the poor German forest, with its whispers and its winds was to blame for all the bitternesswhich lay in the soul of this returned wanderer; it almost seemed as ifhe must flee from them, for he could hardly endure the simple, earnestsong of olden times which fluttered down to him from the tall fir trees. But his companion only heard the slighting tone. 

"Are you a foreigner, Herr Rojanow?" she asked. 

A black shadow crossed Hartmut's brow, and he hesitated for a momentbefore he answered, coldly:

"Yes, Fräulein. "

"I thought as much from your name and appearance, and from the peculiaropinions which you express, as well. "

"At any rate, they are unbiased and candid, " answered Hartmut, nettledby the reproof which lay in the last words. "I have been pretty much allover the world, and am just back now from the Orient. To him who knowsthe ocean with its radiant, transparent blue, or its terrible, deadlystorms, to one who has basked in the witcheries of the warmth and lightof the tropics, everything here seems cold and colorless; these eternalgreen forests are, in fact, the only features of a German landscape. "

The compassionate shrug of the shoulders with which he concluded, appeared to rouse his companion from her imperturbability. An expressionof displeasure crossed her face, and her voice had in it a tone ofresentment, as she answered:

"That is altogether a matter of taste. I know, if not the Orient, atleast Southern Europe very well; those sunny, glowing landscapes, withtheir vivid colorings attract one in the beginning--that is trueenough--but soon, too soon, exhaust one. You lose all strength andvitality; you can stagnate and dream, but you can never live and work. But why discuss it? Naturally you know nothing of our great forests, orour people either, I presume. "

Hartmut smiled with an unmistakable satisfaction. He had succeeded inbreaking through this icy reserve. All his arts and blandishments hadbeen exercised in vain, but he now saw that the momentary resentment hadadded the charm which was needed to her lovely, cold features, so hedetermined to arouse her still further. 

If he felt aggrieved he would also find pleasure in exciting her. 

"That sounds like a reproof which I shall have to bear, " he saidderisively. "Possibly I don't view the affairs of life as you do. I amaccustomed to use other scales of measurement for nature, and formortals as well. 'Live and work!' The whole question hinges upon thedefinition of these words. I have lived, years at a time, in Paris, thatgreat central point of all civilization, where life ebbs and flows in athousand streams. He who has been wont to stem the tide in these great, almost overwhelming waters, can nevermore find a place in the littlerelations, in the narrow judgments and pedantries, in all this marasmuswhich the noble Germans call life. "

The insulting expression which he laid upon the last words, obtained forhim his desire. His companion suddenly stood still and measured him fromhead to foot, while a flash of anger shot from her cold blue eyes. Sheseemed for the minute to have an angry answer at her tongue's end, butshe forced it back, and drawing herself up to her full height, said in atone of contempt and disdain:

"You forget, sir, that you are speaking to a German--I now remind youof that fact. "

Hartmut colored to the roots of his hair at this merited reproof givento a stranger, a foreigner, as she supposed, who had forgotten himself. What if this girl knew to whom she was talking, what if she ever learned--a feeling of shame overcame him for the second, but he was a man ofthe world and controlled himself once more. 

"I beg your pardon, " he said, with a slight, half-mocking bow. "I wasunder the impression that we were merely exchanging impersonal opinions. I sincerely regret having annoyed you, Fräulein. "

A scarcely perceptible movement of her head, and a slight shrug of theshoulders showed him that he had no power to really annoy her. 

"I could certainly not think of influencing your judgments, but as ourideas are so radically opposed, I think it would be better to drop theconversation altogether. "

Rajanow showed no disposition to continue it. Now he knew for a suretythat the cold eyes could sparkle and blaze with anger, he had forcedthem to do it, but the thing had ended otherwise than he had expected. He gave the slight figure at his side a half-inimical glance, and thenhis eyes lost themselves again in the dense green of the forest. 

There was something captivating after all about this forest lonelinessunder the first light breath of autumn, a breath which touched theleaves tenderly and laid such delicate tints upon them, brightening thelovely landscape with its vivid reds and varied browns, with itsglimpses here and there of bright gold where the sunlight pierced thewoodland shade. The branches of the tall trees, centuries old, swayedgently to and fro, and threw long, cool shadows across the occasionalopen spaces, where the wild forest flowers rested on the breast of themoss-covered earth. An occasional pool of water, lying silent andplacid, mirrored the clear, blue sky with its fleecy clouds, whichseemed to intermingle with the tall green branches, as both cast theirreflection in the water beneath. Only the soft rustling of the leaves, and the hum of thousands of insects as they sang together a sweet, dreamy forest song was to be heard. The very sunbeams seemed to echothis melody as they followed closely the two wanderers, as if this manand woman had come beneath their ban and would have some penalty to payfor crossing their shining path so carelessly. Suddenly an unexpectedbarrier stood in their way. From a thickly wooded elevation, a broadmountain stream came rushing down, seeking its way between bushes androcks. Rojanow halted abruptly and cast a quick glance up and down, tosee if any means of crossing were to be found, but his eyes coulddiscover nothing, and turning to his companion, he said:

"I fear we are in an unpleasant situation here. This stream barricadesour path completely. Usually it is no hard matter to cross it, for thosemossy stones make a good enough bridge, but yesterday's heavy rain hasmisplaced them or covered them completely. "

The young lady had stopped, too, and was looking up and down the streamalso, for some crossing. 

"Could we not cross farther up?" she asked, indicating a certain spotabove them. 

"No, because the water is swifter and deeper in that direction. This isthe best place to get across. There is nothing to be done but to carryyou over, and that, with your permission, I will do. "

The offer was made most courteously, almost hesitatingly, but there wasa gleam of triumph in Hartmut's eye, notwithstanding his modestdemeanor. This time she must accept his assistance, even if she hadleft the veil hanging in the thorns rather than do so. There was nochoice now, she must trust herself in his arms in order to reach theopposite shore. He came up to her now as if he took her consent forgranted, but she drew back. 

"I thank you, Herr Rojanow. " Hartmut smiled with an irony which he madeno attempt to conceal. He was master of the situation now, and thoughtto remain so. 

"Would you rather go around?" he asked. "It will take us more than anhour and here we will be across in a minute or two. You need not doubtthe strength of my arms, and I am sure footed; it is not at all adangerous place to cross. "

"I agree with you, " was the quiet answer, "and for that reason I willessay to cross it alone. "

"Alone? That is impossible, Fräulein. "

"To step through a forest brook? I do not consider that an especiallydifficult achievement. "

"But the water is deeper than you believe. You will be wet through andthrough, and besides--it is really impossible. "

"A wetting will do me no harm, for I do not take cold easily. Pray leadthe way and I will follow. "

That was clear enough and sounded so peremptory that furtherremonstrance was impossible. Hartmut bowed without speaking, and steppedat once into the water, his high hunting boots serving him good purpose. 

He was right enough, the water was deep and swift, and the stones wereso slippery that he found it difficult enough to set his foot firmly onthem. He had a slight sneer on his lips as he stepped upon the oppositebank and turned to wait for the girl whom he was so anxious to protect, but who rejected all his advances so proudly. Would she venture or wouldthe first step terrify her and force her to call him back? No, she hadgathered up her skirts and followed without hesitation, notwithstandingthe fact that her silk stockings and thin low shoes afforded noprotection whatever. She stepped slowly and carefully on the stones overwhich he had just gone, until she came to the middle of the stream. Here, while the strong man's foot had been able to find a safe restingplace, the woman's smaller one sought in vain for a secure support onthe slimy stones. Her high heels were as much in her way as her gown, the edges of which were already thoroughly drenched. Her courage forsookher for the moment, she made several false steps, then stood perfectlyquiet and cast an involuntary glance toward the opposite bank, whereHartmut stood watching her in silence, resolved to raise no hand towardher assistance until requested to do so. Perhaps she read this in hiseyes and it gave her back her strength. With a look of decision on herface she gave up all further search for a secure stepping stone, andplanted her foot firmly on the pebbly bottom of the stream, and a secondlater, thoroughly wet now, she clutched the low bough of a tree inpreference to Hartmut's outstretched hand, and drew herself up on thefurther bank. Then turning with dripping garments, to her guide, said:

"We will go on, if you please. We cannot be very far from Fürstenstein. "

Hartmut gave no syllable of reply, but a feeling akin to hate rosewithin him as he looked at this woman who preferred such greatdiscomfort rather than come into closer contact with him even for amoment. 

This proud, spoiled man whose dazzling personality won all hearts, feltthe humiliation which had been forced upon him most keenly, andexecrated within himself the chance which had brought about thismeeting. 

They went on as rapidly as possible now, and Hartmut cast a glance, fromtime to time, at the slender, silent figure with its heavy bedraggledskirts, the drippings from which marked their course by a long line ofmoisture. He kept an attentive eye on the woods on either side; thisdark forest road must come to an end some time. 

His course had been the right one after all, which at least was someslight satisfaction to him. After a few minutes he came to an elevationwhich afforded him a view of the region round about. Yonder, across asea of forest trees, rose the towers of Fürstenstein, and at the foot ofthe hill on which he stood a broad carriage road was plainly visible, and this road, winding through a part of the forest, led directly to thefoot of the castle hill. 

"Yonder is Fürstenstein, " said he, as he turned and spoke to the younggirl for the first time since they had left the stream. "It is abouthalf an hour's walk from here, though. "

"O, that is nothing. I am grateful to you for guiding me sosuccessfully, but the way is very plain now, and I will trouble you nolonger. "

"I am subject to your orders, " said Hartmut coldly. "If you desire todismiss your guide so summarily, he will no longer force himself uponyou. "

The lady felt the reproof implied in his words. After a man had spent acouple of hours in her service, he did deserve something more than acontemptuous dismissal, even though she had found it necessary to keephim at a distance. 

"I have taken too much of your time already, " she said, unbending alittle. "You have introduced yourself to me, Herr Rojanow, and I must, in return, tell you my name before I say good morning--Adelheid vonWallmoden. " Hartmut drew a short breath, and a fleeting red colored hisface as he repeated, slowly:

"Wallmoden!"

"Are you familiar with the name?"

"I have heard it, but not here, in--in North Germany. "

"Very probable; that is my husband's home, and mine, too. "

Rojanow's face showed extreme surprise as he heard this young girl, whomhe had taken as a matter of course, for unmarried, speak in somatter-of-fact a tone about her husband, but he bowed, and said mostcourteously:

"I beg your pardon, my dear madame, for mistaking you for a girl, but Icould not know you were married. And I now know that I have never hadthe honor of meeting your husband. The only one of the name with whom Iwas ever familiar, was a gentleman now past middle life. He belonged tothe diplomatic service, and his name, if I do not mistake, was Herbertvon Wallmoden. "

"That is my husband, and he is at present ambassador to this country. Hewill be looking anxiously for me now, so I must not linger a momentlonger. Again let me thank you, Herr Rojanow. " And with a bow of adieu, the lady hurried down the hill toward the carriage road. 

Hartmut stood looking after her, like one in a maze; heavy beads ofperspiration stood out on his forehead. So soon? He had scarcely setfoot on German soil, and here he was met at once by the old names andall the painful memories which their mention entailed. 

Herbert von Wallmoden, Frau von Eschenhagen's brother, Willibald'sguardian and his own boyhood's friend. Rojanow felt a sharp cut like adagger thrust through his breast. He drew himself up and threw hisshoulders back, as though he would throw from him some overwhelmingburden, and the old bitter, mocking smile came to his lips again, as hesaid, half aloud:

"Uncle Wallmoden hasn't wasted any of his opportunities, that's evident. His hair's gray by this time, but it hasn't prevented him winning alovely young wife. To be sure, an ambassador is a fine match, and it isevident that Adelheid von Wallmoden was born to marry such a man. Shehas all the aristocratic airs and manners which are the one thingneedful in the diplomatic circle. Doubtless he's had her well trained totake her place in the diplomatic school. Well, he's fared well in thisworld, there's no doubt of that. "

His eyes followed the young wife, who had just reached the foot of thehill, and a deep scowl settled on his brow. 

"If I meet Wallmoden here, and perhaps I won't be able to avoid it, he'll recognize me without a doubt. Then he'll tell her all about it, and if she ever sees me again, and gives me one of her contemptuousglances, I'll--" He stamped his foot on the ground with fury at thethought, and then gave a bitter laugh. 

"Pah! What need I care? What does this pale, blue-eyed creature, withher cold blood, know of freedom, of the throes of passion, of the stormswhich come to some lives? Let her pronounce sentence on me. Why should Ishun a meeting? I will face her and bid her beware. "

And with a haughty movement of his head he turned his back on theslender figure, and strode back again into the woods. 

CHAPTER V. 

The betrothal festivities to which Baron von Wallmoden and his wife hadbeen bidden were carried out to the letter. Antonie von Schönau plightedher troth to her cousin, the heir of Burgsdorf. 

The young people had known their parents' plan for years, and were fullyagreed as to its accomplishment. Willibald subscribed like a dutifulson, to his mother's opinion that she was the suitable person to choosehis life's companion for him, and he had waited patiently her pleasureas to the time when his betrothal should become an accomplished fact;the thought of having his little cousin Toni for a wife was verypleasant to him. He had known her since childhood, and she suited himexactly. She was a girl absolutely bereft of romance, and Willibald knewshe would make no sentimental demands upon him, to which he, with thebest will in the world, had not the temperament to respond. Toni, forher part, possessed that good taste for which Frau Regine had given hercredit. Will pleased her very well, and the prospect of being mistressof Burgsdorf pleased her still better--in short, everything was as itshould be. 

The newly betrothed pair were at the piano in the drawing-room, and Toniwas entertaining her lover with music, not voluntarily, however, but ather father's request, for she herself considered music a wearisome andsuperfluous accomplishment. But the head forester had insisted that hisdaughter should show she was not educated in housewifery alone, but hadlearned something at boarding-school as well. He was walking to and froon the terrace with his sister-in-law now; they had come there to listento the music, and discuss for the hundredth time the happiness andprospects of their children. They had, as usual, soon drifted away frompleasant topics and their contention was growing fiercer each moment. 

"I really don't know what to think of you, Moritz, " said Frau vonEschenhagen, very red in the face. "You don't seem to comprehend theimpropriety of permitting such an intimacy. When I ask you who is theschool-girl friend of Toni's who is expected at Waldhofen, you answer mecoolly and complacently, that she is a singer who has been on the stageof the Court theatre for some time. An actress, a theatrical star. Oneof those wretched, frivolous creatures who--"

"But, Regine, don't fly into such a passion, " interrupted her hostangrily. "You speak as though the poor soul had lost her character justbecause she went on the stage. "

"So she has, so she has!" Regine answered excitedly. "Who ever entersthat Sodom and Gomorrah goes down to the bottom at once and can neverrise again. "

"That's flattering to the Court theatre company, at least, " said Schönaudryly. "But we go to see them just the same. "

"As spectators! That's quite a different thing, though, for my part, I'mopposed to encouraging such people at all. Will goes to the theatre verylittle, and never without me. But while I, in the performance of my dutyas a mother, have guarded him from any intercourse whatever with suchpeople, you permit his future wife to come within their poisonousinfluence. It's enough to make the heavens cry out!"

She had raised her voice almost to a shriek at the last, partly fromexcitement, and partly to be heard by her brother-in-law, for themusical production was noisy now, and sent forth loud, discordant soundsthrough the open glass door. Toni had good strong wrists, and her touchon the piano reminded one of the stroke of an axe on hard wood. Herthree listeners had strong nerves, but low speech was certainly animpossibility. 

"Let me explain the matter to you, " said the forester appeasingly. "Ihave told you already that this was an exceptional case. "

"Marietta Volkmar is the grandchild of our good old doctor at Waldhofen. His son died while still in the flower of youth. The young widowfollowed her husband the very next year, and the poor little orphan cameto her grandfather. That was ten years ago, just after I had beenassigned to Fürstenstein. Doctor Volkmar became our family physician, and his grandchild the playfellow of my children. As the school inWaldhofen was a miserable affair, I begged the doctor to permit hislittle one to come here and share the childrens' instruction. Then whileToni was at boarding-school for two years, Marietta was in the citypursuing her musical education, and, as a matter of course, their dailyintercourse ceased. Marietta, however, has always visited us regularlyduring her vacations, when she came home to her grandfather, and I donot see why I should forbid her doing so as long as she remainsrespectable and honest. "

Frau von Eschenhagen had listened to this reasonable explanation withoutunbending in the least. She now said spitefully:

"Respectable and honest in a theatre! Every one knows well enough whatgoes on in such iniquitous places; but you seem to take it as lightly asdoes Dr. Volkmar, who for that matter looks honest and venerable enoughwith his open face and long white hair. How he can send a soulentrusted to his care, his own flesh and blood at that, on to certaindestruction, is beyond my comprehension. "

"Regine, I always thought you a most rational woman, but in this matteryou have no sense at all. The theatre and every one connected with ithas always been proscribed by you, and yet you know absolutely nothingabout it. It was no easy matter for the doctor to allow Marietta to goon the stage. That I know, for we talked it over frequently. It is notfor us who sit in warm nests and can provide lavishly for our children, to sit in judgment upon other parents who earn their daily food withlabor and bitter care. Volkmar, though seventy years of age, works dayand night, but his practice brings him in little, for this is a poor, sparsely settled neighborhood, and after his death Marietta will havenothing. "

"Then he should have made a teacher or a companion of her; that is adecent way to earn one's bread. "

"God preserve me from bread so earned. No one knows how the poor thingwould be used and ill treated. If I had a child who was dearer to methan life, whose fate it was to earn her own living, and I was told thatshe would have a brilliant future, and put money in her purse if shewent on the stage, I would say 'go!' you may depend upon it. "

This avowal seemed to take the ground from under Regine's feet. Shestood for a moment gazing at him with frightened face. Then she said, solemnly:

"Moritz--it makes me shudder to hear you. "

"Well, if it gives you pleasure to shudder, don't stop on my account. But when Marietta comes as usual to Fürstenstein, I will not send herback, neither shall I raise any objection if Toni goes to her atWaldhofen. So we need say nothing more about it. "

Then Herr von Schönau cried out to his daughter, who was still poundingaway, that the window-panes were rattling and the strings of the pianowould be ruined. He did not really care a particle how much noise shemade, neither did her aunt, who answered him now, promptly and sharply:

"Well, there's one comfort at least, Toni will soon be married. Thenthis friendship with the theatrical prodigy will be at an end. I giveyou my word for it, that no such guests will be allowed within the wallsof Burgsdorf, and Willibald will not permit his young wife to keep upany correspondence either. "

"That means that you will not permit it, " sneered the head forester. "There are no yeas or nays in poor Will's life, he is only the obedientservant of his dear mother. It is really remarkable how you can keep thefellow, a man grown and soon to be a husband, so cowed down and underthe lash. "

Frau von Eschenhagen threw her head back, more insulted than ever now. 

"I believe I understand my responsibilities better than you. Perhaps youwould like to reprove me for educating my son to honor and love hisparents?"

"Ah, but there's a point where love leaves off and tyranny begins. Youhave made Will quite stupid under your eternal tutelage. You couldn'tlet him make his own offer of marriage even. The matter was an old storyto you, so you interfered as usual, without giving the poor boy achance. 'The affair is all arranged for you, children. Your parents havesettled it all for you. You are to marry one another. I give you myblessing; now kiss one another, for you are betrothed. ' That's the kindof a stand you took. I, also, was taught to love and honor my parents, but if they had attempted to woo my bride for me, they'd have heard mesing another tune. And that boy of yours took it as quietly as possible;I really believe he was rejoiced that he did not have to propose forhimself. "

The excitement of the two had by this time reached fever heat, and itwas a fortunate thing that the noise from the piano drowned all furtherconversation. Fräulein Antonie had great strength in her hands, and heronly idea of music was to make all the noise she could; one would havethought a regiment of soldiers was storming a fort. Just now the noiseirritated her father, who wanted to hear himself speak. 

"Toni, Toni, don't break the new piano in two with your thumping, " heshouted crossly. "What is it you are playing, anyway?"

Toni was working away bravely, notwithstanding the perspiration wasrunning down her face. Near her sat her lover on a little sofa, his eyesshaded by his arm as he leaned back, his very soul steeped, as it were, in the music. At her father's question the fair musician turned slowlyon her stool and answered in a half-sleepy tone:

"That is the 'Janizary March, ' papa. I thought it would please Will, ashe is a soldier, you know. "

"Yes; a dragoon by accident, " muttered her father, as he stepped over tohis future son-in-law, who hardly seemed to appreciate the delicateattentions of his fiancée. 

"Well Will, what do you say to all this fine music?--Will, don't youhear me? I believe upon my life he's sound asleep. "

The young heir, aroused now by the scolding voices on all sides, rubbedhis eyes and looked at them with a dazed, drowsy air. 

"What--what is the matter? Yes, it was very beautiful, dear Toni. "

"Yes, to be sure it was, " cried the head forester with an angry flash ofhis eye. "You need never trouble yourself to play for him again, mychild. But come, let us leave this ardent lover to finish his nap inpeace. He has good strong nerves, I must say that for him. "

With these words the irate father gave Antonie his arm and led her fromthe room. But Frau von Eschenhagen, already highly incensed, felt thather son's inattention to his sweetheart was an additional insult, andnow turned upon poor Willibald in a fury. 

"Well, you have overstepped the limits of common decency, this time!"she cried in a rage. "Your blessed father wasn't much of a carpet knightin his day. He was engaged to me just twenty-four hours when he fellasleep, too, while I played for him; but I waked him up after such afashion he never did it a second time I can assure you. Now go afterToni this minute and say what you can to excuse yourself; she has reasonto be sorely vexed with you. "

Regine took him by the shoulder and pushed him out of the door, as sheended her tirade. 

Will took all she said quietly enough, and went at once to make hispeace with his cousin. He felt really frightened over his ill-timedslumber, but he had been tired, and the music wearied him greatly. 

So he was very contrite as he entered the room in which his cousin wasstanding at the window. 

"Dearest Toni, do not be angry with me, " he began, apologetically. "Itwas so hot, and your beautiful music had something so soothing in itthat--"

Toni turned to him. It was certainly the first time that the JanizaryMarch had ever been called a soothing composition; but the crushed, penitent look of her lover, who stood like a sinner awaitingcondemnation, restored her to good humor, and she held out her hand tohim, as she said heartily:

"No, I am not in the least angry with you, Will. I never cared about thestupid music, myself. We'll find something more sensible than that to dowhen we get to Burgsdorf. "

"Yes, that we will, " answered Will, cordially, as he pressed theoutstretched hand warmly. He would never have thought of kissing it. "You are so good, Toni. "

When Frau von Eschenhagen came upon the lovers a few minutes later, shefound them absorbed in the milk and cream question. The mode ofconducting a dairy in South Germany differed from that common in theNorth. It was a subject of which Will never tired, and his mother feltgrateful in her heart for a daughter-in-law who had no uncomfortablesensitiveness. 

A little later, Will found an opportunity to win complete forgiveness. Toni was anxious to get the evening post as soon as it arrived. Shecomplained, also, that something which had been ordered for supper hadnot been sent from Waldhofen, and that a message which had beenentrusted to a groom, had not, she feared, been properly delivered. SoWillibald offered to go at once, and set all these vexatious trifles torights, and his offer was graciously accepted. 

Waldhofen was a place of great importance to the mountaineers, though initself it was but a small town. It was about thirty minutes' walk fromFürstenstein, and was an important centre for all the little villagesand hamlets scattered through the forest. 

There was seldom a soul to be seen on the streets during the afternoonhours, and it seemed a deserted, desolate place to Herr von Eschenhagen, as he crossed the dreary market-place on his way from the post-office. 

He had attended to the other errands first, and delivered the message, which concerned the sending of a chest to Fürstenstein. As the streetswere of no interest to him, he turned now into a side road, where therewere neat little houses, with fresh, green little lawns in front. Theroad was uneven and muddy after yesterday's heavy rain, but Willibaldwas a countryman himself, and paid no heed to bad roads, so he walked onnow without a murmur. 

He was in a very contented frame of mind, both as regarded himself andthe world at large. Here he was, a strong, healthy young man, with agenerous share of this world's goods, and the pleasurable thought thathe was engaged to be married to a girl who suited him, and who would, heknew, make him a good wife. 

A heavy, lumbering carriage came up the narrow, uneven road, along whichhe was trudging. There was a large trunk strapped on the back, andvarious bundles and boxes covered the seats within. Willibald wonderedto himself why any one had chosen such a miserable little lane, whichthe recent rains had made totally unfit for vehicles, instead of takingthe wide, decently paved street. The coachman seemed to be in anythingbut a happy frame of mind. He turned now in his seat, and said to thetraveler, of whom Willibald had not caught a glimpse:

"Now really Fräulein, we can go no farther. I told you before that wecouldn't get through here, and now you see for yourself how the wheelsstick in the mud--its a pretty piece of business. "

"It is not very far, " sounded a clear young voice from the depths of thecarriage. "Only a few hundred steps, farther. So please go on no matterhow slowly. "

"What can't be done, can't be done!" announced the driver in aphilosophic tone. "I cannot go forward through this mire, and I won't. We must turn back. "

"I will not ride through the town. " The clear voice had a decided, defiant tone this time. "If you won't go through this lane, stop, andI'll get out here. "

The driver stopped at once, clambered down from his seat and opened theheavy door, and a second later a slender girl jumped from the carriage;jumped skillfully, too, for she landed on a dry place without coming incontact with the mud and mire which surrounded her on all sides. Thenshe took a view of her surroundings. But just before her the road had anabrupt turn, so she could not see very far. 

The young lady was evidently annoyed to find herself farther from herdestination than she had supposed. Then her glance fell on Herr vonEschenhagen, who, coming from the other direction, had just reached thebend in the road. 

"I beg pardon, sir, but is the road passable?"

He did not answer at once for he was dumb with admiration at thewonderful and graceful leap which she had just made. She had gonethrough the air like a feather, and landed on the only dry spot on thewhole road. 

"Don't you hear me?" she repeated, impatiently. "Do you know whether theroad is passable or not?"

"I--I am on the road now, " he answered, rather staggered by the sharp, dictatorial tone. 

"I can see that for myself. But I have no high boots like you. What Iwant to know is whether the road is as muddy as this all the way or not?Are there any dry places? Great heavens! can't you answer?"

"I--I believe you will find it dry after you get past this bend here. "

"Very well, then, I will venture. So you can turn back, driver, andleave my luggage at the post-office opposite the market-place, and I'llsend for it. Wait. Hand me down that black satchel, and I'll take itwith me. "

"But it's too heavy for you to carry, Fräulein, and I can't leave myhorses to take it for you, " objected the coachman. 

"Well, then, give it to that gentleman yonder. It's not very far to ourgarden gate. Will you please take that black leather satchel, sir--theone on the back seat with the heavy straps. Can't you hurry?"

The little foot stamped impatiently on the ground, for the master ofBurgsdorf stood and stared at her with open mouth. It was something newto him to be commanded and disposed of in this way by a young woman; butat the last imperious words he came bashfully forward and took thesatchel from the driver's hand. The young lady evidently thought it themost natural thing in the world to ask his assistance. 

"There, " she said, shortly. "Now, driver, go back to the post-office, and I'll pick my way through the Waldhofen mud. "

She gathered her gray traveling cloak and frock around her and steppedalong quickly, picking her way carefully as she went, and keeping asclose as possible to the low hedge which bordered the road, whileWillibald, of whom she took no notice, trotted on behind with herbelongings. He thought he had never seen anything half so lovely as thisgraceful, slender creature, who scarcely reached up to his shoulder, andhe feasted his eyes on the little figure as he followed after. 

There was something more than ordinarily gracious and pleasing in theyoung girl's movements, and in her whole appearance, and she carried herlittle head with its mass of curly dark hair which no hat could keepconcealed, with a jaunty air. Her features were irregular, but theywore an expression of saucy defiance, which with her large, dark eyesand rosy mouth, and the little dimple in the chin, made up for allimperfections of contour. The gray traveling costume, while simple inthe extreme, was well and tastefully made, and told that its fair wearerwas of another world than that of Waldhofen. 

The road, after they had rounded the bend, was, as Willibald said, muchdrier, though they still had to keep close to the low, hedge-hiddenwall, and take very careful steps to avoid the wet, muddy hollows. Therewas no conversation between the two. Will would never have thought ofspeaking, so he trudged on patiently, while his guide hurried forward asrapidly as the way would permit, and apparently never troubling herselfabout the meek burden-bearer in the rear. 

In about ten minutes they reached a low garden gate at which the girlstopped abruptly. She leaned over, and pulling out a little wooden bar, opened it. Then she turned to her escort, if such he could be called, and said:

"I thank you, sir. Please give me my satchel now. "

The satchel, in spite of its small size, was much too heavy for herlittle hands to hold. Willibald was, for the first time in his life, seized with a knightly impulse, and declared the satchel was much tooheavy for her, and that he would carry it to the house for her. Sheaccepted his courtesy with a careless nod of approval, and turninghastily, went through the small, well-kept garden to the back door ofthe little old-fashioned house, on which the long afternoon shadows werelingering. Now for the first time, the new-comer was seen from within, and an elderly woman started out from the little kitchen, crying:

"Fräulein! Fräulein Marietta, you have come to-day. Ah, what joy, what--"

Marietta flew toward her and put her hand over her mouth. 

"Hush! hush! Babette. Speak softly, I want to surprise grandpapa. Is heat home?"

"Yes, the Herr Doctor is at home and is in his study. Will you go rightin, Fräulein?"

"No, I'll go into the front room and play a soft accompaniment, and singhim his favorite song! Be careful, Babette, he must not hear us. "

She went in on tiptoe, as noiselessly as an elf, across the old hall, and softly opened the door of a little, low-ceilinged corner room;Babette, who, overcome by joy and surprise, had not noticed the strangerstanding in the shadow, followed her dear Fräulein. The door was leftopen, and Willibald could hear a cover laid back cautiously and a chairpushed gently in place. Then she began a low prelude. The sounds whichthe old worn out spinet gave forth were tremulous and thin, and made onethink of an ancient harp; but the maiden's voice recalled the lark'ssong of rejoicing. 

The singing was not long continued, for a door opposite was openedhastily, and an old man with white hair appeared upon the threshold. 

"Marietta! my Marietta, is it really you?"

"Grandpapa!" cried the young girl exultantly, as she ceased her song andrushed forward to throw herself in the old man's arms. 

"You bad child. Why did you frighten me so?" he said, tenderly. "I didnot expect you until day after to-morrow, and intended going to therailway station to meet you. When I heard your voice so suddenly justnow, I believed my ears had deceived me. "

The girl laughed out gaily like an excited child. 

"Ah, I have succeeded in surprising you, grandpapa, haven't I? I came upthe back road, but the wheels stuck so in the mud that I had to get outand walk part of the way. I came in through the garden and by the backdoor--well, Babette, what is it?"

"Fräulein, the carrier is still waiting with the satchel, " Babette hadjust discovered that a stranger was on the premises. "Shall I give himmoney for a drink and let him go?"

The young man, thus designated as the carrier, still stood, satchel inhand, awaiting Marietta's pleasure. Dr. Volkmar turned at once, andrecognizing who it was, cried in a frightened tone:

"Good heavens--Herr von Eschenhagen!"

"Do you know the gentleman?" asked Marietta, without any especialinterest or surprise, for her grandfather, being the only physician inthe region, of course knew every one. 

"To be sure I know him. Babette, take the valise at once. I beg yourpardon, sir. I did not know that you were acquainted with mygranddaughter. "

"Why, we never saw each other before to-day, " explained Marietta. "But, grandpapa, will you not introduce me to this gentleman?"

"Certainly, my child. Herr Willibald von Eschenhagen of Burgsdorf--"

"Toni's betrothed!" interrupted Marietta delighted. "O, how comical thatwe should meet each other for the first time in the mud. If I had knownwho it was I would not have treated you so cavalierly, Herr vonEschenhagen. I let you walk behind me as though you were a veritableporter. But why didn't you speak?"

Willibald didn't speak now, but looked stupidly at the little handwhich was extended to him. He felt he must do or say something, and asit was an impossibility for him to speak, he grasped the little hand inhis great, brawny palm and pressed and shook it vigorously. 

"Oh!" cried Marietta as she drew back hastily. "You have a terriblegrip, Herr von Eschenhagen. I believe you have broken my finger. "

Willibald, glowing from embarrassment and mortification, was about tostammer an apology, when the doctor came to his rescue by inviting himto come in. This invitation he accepted without speaking, and followedhis host into the house. Marietta took the principal part in theconversation. She gave a very amusing account of her meeting withWillibald. Now that she knew he was her dear Toni's lover, she treatedhim with all the familiarity and freedom of an old friend. She askedquestion after question about Toni and the head forester, and her tonguewent on without rest or intermission. 

To the young man who sat so silent and listened so eagerly, the girl'spleasant, bird-like chatter was quite bewildering. He had met the doctoron the previous day at Fürstenstein and had heard some talk of a certainMarietta who was a friend of his fiancée. Who or what she was, or fromwhence she came, he did not know, for Toni had not been verycommunicative on that occasion. 

"And to think of this excited child leaving you standing at the backdoor, while she came in to play and sing to decoy me from my study, "said Dr. Volkmar shaking his head. "That was very impolite, Marietta, very impolite indeed. "

The young girl laughed merrily, and shook her short, curly hair. 

"O, Herr von Eschenhagen has not taken it amiss. But as he only heard abar or two of your favorite song, I think the least I can do is to singit all for him now. "

And without waiting for an answer, she seated herself at the piano, andagain the clear, silvery voice with its bird-like notes, broke forth onthe evening air. She sang an old, simple ballad, but with suchexpression, such pathos and sweetness, that a bright spring sunlightseemed to enter and flood the little rooms of the old house. But nosunshine was half so bright as the joy which lit up the face of the oldwhite-headed man, upon whose forehead lay the shadows of years andsorrow, and on whose cheeks care had pressed deep furrows. With ahalf-pathetic, happy smile he listened to the old familiar melody, whichspoke to his heart like a voice from his own lost youth. 

But he was not the only attentive listener. The master of Burgsdorf, whohad fallen asleep amid the thunders of a military march, and who hadfelt himself entirely in accord with Tom when she declared music to bestupid, listened almost breathlessly to the enchanting strains. Suchmusic was a revelation to him. He sat, leaning forward in his chair, asif fearful of losing a single note, with his eyes fastened upon thepretty maiden, who, singing with all her soul, moved her little headbackward and forward with a graceful movement as she warbled forth hersweet song. When it was ended Willibald leaned back in his chair with aheavy sigh, and drew his hand across his eyes. 

"My little singing bird, " said Dr. Volkmar tenderly, as he rose andleaned over his grandchild and kissed her forehead. 

"Well, grandpapa, " she said teasingly, "has my voice lost anythingwithin the last few months? But I fear it does not please Herr vonEschenhagen. He has no word of commendation for me. "

She turned to Willibald with the assumed sulky look of a spoiled child. He rose now and came over to her. 

A slight flush diffused his face, and in his eyes, usually soexpressionless, shone a new light. 

"Oh, it was very beautiful!"

The young singer might be forgiven for having expected something morethen these few embarrassed words; but she felt the deep, honestadmiration which they conveyed, and understood at once that her song haddeeply impressed the taciturn stranger. She smiled pleasantly as shereplied:

"Yes, it is a sweet song. I have scored more than one triumph singing itas an encore. "

"As an encore?" repeated Will, with no idea of what she meant. 

"Yes, at the theatre, which I have just left to visit grandpapa. I wassuch a success, grandpapa, and the director wanted me to give up all myvacation, but I had surrendered so much of it already to suit him that Ideclared I would have these few weeks with you. "

Willibald listened to all this with increasing astonishment. Theatre, vacation, director, what did it all mean? The doctor noticed hisastonishment. 

"Herr von Eschenhagen does not know what you are, my child, " he saidquietly. "My granddaughter has been educated for an opera singer. "

"How soberly you say it, grandpapa, " cried Marietta, springing up anddrawing her little slender figure to its full height, as she said, withan assumption of great dignity:

"For the past five months a member of the renowned and worshipful DucalCourt theatre, a person in a responsible position and worthy of allhonor. Hats off, gentlemen!"

A member of the Court theatre company! Willibald drew himself together, as it were, when he heard the fatal words. The well trained son of hismother, he had a great abhorrence for all actors and actresses. Hestepped unwittingly, three steps back, and stared in amazement at theyoung lady who had just made so startling and so frightful anannouncement. She laughed out loud as he did so. 

"Oh, you need not manifest so much respect for me, Herr von Eschenhagen, I will permit you to stand by the piano. Has Toni never told you that Ibelong to the theatre?"

"Toni? No!" stammered Willibald, greatly disconcerted. "But she iswaiting for me. I must go to Fürstenstein. I have stayed here much toolong already. "

"How extremely polite, " laughed the girl, with a good-natured sneer. "Itis not very polite to us, but where your bride is, there should you bealso. "

"Yes, and with my mother, too, " said Will, who had a feeling thatsomething dreadful was threatening him, and to whom his mother seemed aprotecting angel. "I beg your pardon, but I have been here much too longalready. "

He stopped abruptly, remembering that he had said these words oncebefore, but as none better offered themselves to his disturbed brain herepeated them for the third time. 

Marietta was half dead from suppressed laughter. Dr. Volkmar declared, most courteously, that he would not think of detaining his guest asecond longer, and begged him to give his compliments to the headforester and to Fräulein von Schönau. 

The young man scarcely heard him; he reached for his hat, muttering someword of farewell, and was off without delay. He had but one thought, and that was to get away as quickly as possible. The good-natured, scarcely restrained laughter confused him greatly. 

When the doctor returned, after having accompanied Willibald to thedoor, he found his grandchild half suffocated with laughter, while thetears were rolling down her cheeks. 

"I don't believe that lover of Toni's is quite right here, " she said, asshe tapped her forehead with her finger. "First, he carried my satcheland was as dumb as a fish; then he thawed out a little when I sang, andnow he is off on a run to Fürstenstein and his mother, before I have achance even to send Toni a message"

The doctor smiled, but it was a pained smile. He had observed thisstranger more closely than Marietta, and knew only too well what causedthe sudden and great anxiety to get away from the house. 

"Evidently the young man is not much accustomed to ladies' society, " heanswered evasively; "he's under his mother's thumb apparently, but heseems to please his sweetheart, and that's the main thing. "

"He's a handsome man, " mused Marietta, "a very handsome man. But, grandpapa, I believe he's also a very stupid one. "

Willibald in the meantime had gone, almost on a run, to the neareststreet corner, and there he halted and tried to overcome hisbewilderment and collect his thoughts. It was some time before hestarted slowly on his homeward way, and while standing dazed and stupidin the little country road, he threw more than one glance back at thedoctor's house. 

What would his mother say? She, who all her life had spurned theplay-actor as she would a reptile. And she was right, Will saw thatclearly; there was a sorcery about such people against which one neededprotection. 

But if this Marietta Volkmar should see fit to go to Fürstenstein tovisit her girlhood's friend! The young heir was horrified at thethought, and assured himself that he was horrified, but there was a newlight in his eyes all the while. He saw suddenly, in his mind's eye, thereception room at Fürstenstein, and the piano at which his betrothed hadsat so long that day, but in her place was a dainty little figure, witha perfect glory of curly brown hair around her head; and the heavy notesof the "Janizary March" changed into the soft, pleading tones of theold-time ballad, and in the midst of it all, broke out the clear, bubbling laugh which sounded like music, too. 

And all this sweetness was lost forever, both in this world and in thenext, because it had been seen and heard on the stage. Frau vonEschenhagen had often expressed her views on that subject, and her son, a good, obedient son always, looked upon her as an oracle. But now heheaved a deep sigh, as he said half aloud:

"What a shame! What a lamentable shame!"

CHAPTER VI. 

The little mountain of Hochberg rose about half way between Fürstensteinand Rodeck. It was celebrated, and justly, for the fine and extensiveview which could be obtained from its highest point. An ancient stonetower, all that now remained of a castle long since fallen into decay, stood upon the extreme summit. 

A few peasants, more zealous than their neighbors, had built a littleinn or house of rest and refreshment at its base. They made a pretenseof keeping the mountain roads in order, and demanded a fair toll fromthe stray tourist who came to climb the winding tower stairs. 

Strangers came but seldom, however, into this wild, unknown mountainregion. In the autumn especially, visitors were few and far between. This bright, warm September day had, however, proved seductive. Twogentlemen on horseback, attended by a groom, had dismounted at the doorand gone up into the little tower, and they had been followed, a halfhour later, by some guests from the neighborhood, who had driven up themountain-side in a light carriage. 

The gentlemen were now standing on a little stone platform of the tower, and one of them was talking eagerly and excitedly as he called hiscompanion's attention to certain newly-discovered beauties in thelandscape. "Yes, our Hochberg is celebrated, there's no doubt of that, "he said finally. "I felt I must show it to you, Hartmut. Do you notthink the view across this far green ocean of forest is unparalleled?"

Hartmut did not answer. He seemed to be searching for some particularplace through his field glass. 

"In which direction does Fürstenstein lie? Ah, I see, over yonder. Itseems to be an immense old building. "

"Yes, the castle is well worth seeing, " said Prince Adelsberg. "You werequite right, though, day before yesterday, to refuse to accompany methere. The visit worried me to death. "

"Indeed! You spoke very enthusiastically of the head forester to me. "

"Yes, I always enjoy a chat with him, but he had gone driving, worseluck, and only returned just as I was leaving. His son is not atFürstenstein either, he's at college studying forestry, and so I wasentertained by the daughter of the house, Fräulein Antonie von Schönau. I had a weary hour, I can assure you. A word every five minutes, and aminute getting that one out. She's a fine housewife, I fancy, with nobrains for anything beyond. It was up hill work talking to her, and nomistake; then I had the honor of meeting her lover. A genuine, unsophisticated country squire, with a very energetic mother, whoevidently has both him and her future daughter-in-law well under hercontrol. Oh, we had a highly intellectual conversation, which ended intheir asking my advice about the culture of turnips--I'm so well up inturnips, you know. Just then, happily, the head forester and hisbrother-in-law, Baron Wallmoden, returned. "

Rojanow still held the field glass to his eyes, and was seeminglyindifferent to his friend's gossip. Now he said in a questioning tone, "Wallmoden?"

"The new Prussian ambassador to our court. A genuine diplomatist, too, if I may judge from appearances; aristocratic, cold, dignified andreserved to the last degree, but good form, very good form. His wife, the baroness, was not visible, but I bore her absence with resignation, for he's a white-haired elderly man, and I doubt not his wife's of thesame stripe. "

Hartmut's lip curled as he took the glass down from his eyes. He had notmentioned his meeting with Frau von Wallmoden. Why not forget the veryname as soon as possible?

"Our romantic loneliness will soon end, Herr von Schönau tells me, "continued Egon. "The whole court is coming to Fürstenstein for thehunting season, and I can count on a visit from the duke. He'll comeover to Rodeck as soon as he arrives. I'm not overjoyed, I can tell you, for my respected uncle will preach at me about my morals in a way poorStadinger never thought of doing, and I'll have to stand it, too. At anyrate Hartmut, I can take this opportunity to present you. "

"If you think it necessary, and the etiquette of the court permits. "

"Bah! The etiquette won't be so strictly observed here, and besides theRojanows belong to one of the Bojarin families of your country. "

"Certainly. "

"Well then, there's nothing to prevent your being presented. I am veryanxious to have the duke meet you, then I'll tell him about your'Arivana, ' and as soon as he hears your play, he'll have it put on thecourt stage. I've no question of it. "

The words conveyed the deep, almost passionate admiration which theprince had for his friend. The latter only shrugged his shoulders as hereplied carelessly:

"That is possible, if you intercede for me, but I do not want to owe mysuccess to any man's efforts in my behalf. I am no poet of repute; Iscarcely know whether I am a poet at all or not, and if my work cannotmake its own way I shall not force it on the world. "

"You'll be obstinate enough to let a fine opportunity slip, that's likeyou. Have you no ambition?"

"Only too much, I fear; perhaps that's the origin of what you call myobstinacy. I have never been able to subordinate myself and conform tothe rules of every day life, and as to the restrictions and trammels ofyour German courts, I could not adjust myself to them. "

"Who told you you would have to adjust yourself to them?" questionedEgon laughingly. "You will be flattered and spoiled there, as everywhereelse, for you will appear in the heavens like a meteor and no one everrequires stars of that nature to follow a prescribed orbit. Moreoveryou will be both a guest and a foreigner; and as such will occupy anexceptional position. When in addition to that, the poet's halo shinesround your head--"

"You will have found means to bind me to your country, you think?"interjected Hartmut. 

"Well yes, I certainly have not supposed that I, myself, possessed thepower to attach to us permanently so wild and restless a spirit. But therising fame of a poet is a bond which is not so easily broken. This verymorning I took an oath to keep you here at any cost. "

Rojanow gave him a surprised, searching look. "Why this morning?"

"Ah, that's my secret, " said Egon mischievously. "But here comes someone to join us. I hear steps on the stairs. "

Yes, there were steps coming up the old stone stairway, and a secondlater the bearded face of the old watchman peered out at the men on theplatform. 

"Please be careful, my lady, " he was saying. "The last few steps arevery steep; now here we are on the platform. " He held out his hand toassist the lady, who was following him closely, but she paid no heed tohis offer and stepped lightly out on the little stone balcony. 

"What a lovely girl, " whispered Prince Adelsberg to his friend; butHartmut, instead of answering, was making a deep and formal bow to thelady, who could not conceal a look of surprise when she saw him. 

"Ah, Herr Rojanow, you here?"

"I am admiring the fine views from Hochberg of which you, madame, haveheard also, apparently. "

The prince's face bore a surprised look when he heard Hartmut addressthis lovely girl as madame, and saw that she knew him. He came forwardimmediately, in order that he might share his friend's acquaintance, soHartmut was constrained to introduce Prince Adelsberg to the Baronessvon Wallmoden; he made a passing allusion to the meeting in the wood, for the young wife was wrapped in her mantle of icy indifference. It wasscarcely necessary to-day, for Rojanow was as fully determined as she, to consider their acquaintance as of the slightest. 

Egon cast a reproving glance toward his friend, for he could notcomprehend how any one could keep silence about such a happy accident asthat of piloting so lovely a woman through the wood. He entered at once, and with animation, into a conversation with the baroness. He spoke ofhimself as a neighbor, and of his recent visit to Fürstenstein, and hisregret, great regret, at not meeting her on that occasion. But with allhis chatter, the prince kept himself well within bounds, and was thepolite and agreeable courtier. He knew full well that the wife of thePrussian ambassador, no matter how young and beautiful, was not to beapproached with vapid, idle compliments. Hartmut had made that error inaddressing the unknown girl in the wood, but Egon had the advantage ofknowing to whom he spoke, and succeeded at last in thawing the beautifulbaroness by his gracious, suave manner. Finally he showed her thelandscape, and pointed out and explained the especial objects ofinterest. 

Hartmut did not enter into the conversation at all, but after handingthe field glass to his friend, excused himself on the plea of searchingfor a lost pocket-book. The watchman of the tower volunteered to go insearch of it for him, but Rojanow declared he would go and look for ithimself. He remembered the exact place, where, as he mounted the stairs, he had heard something drop, but had paid no attention to it at thetime. He would go and find it, and then return to the platform. Andwith a bow he left them. 

Egon, under other circumstances, would have expressed his surprise thatHartmut did not accept the old watchman's offer, instead of goinghimself. But now he saw his friend depart without protest; he was notunwilling to have the field to himself. The baroness had already raisedthe glass to her eyes, and was following attentively his explanationsand comments on the surrounding country. 

"And over yonder, behind that mountain of forest, lies Rodeck, " he saidat last. "The little hunting lodge where we two misanthropes live likehermits, cut off from all the world beside, save the apes and parrotswhich we brought from the East, and they, by the way, are growing verymelancholy in their new home. "

"One would never take your highness for a misanthrope, " said Frau vonWallmoden with a fleeting smile. 

"I confess I haven't much taste for it, myself, but once in a whileHartmut has a touch of the disease, and it is for his sake that I haveburied myself in this solitude. "

"Hartmut? That is a Hungarian name! It's very surprising that HerrRojanow speaks such pure German without the slightest accent. And yet hetold me he was a foreigner. "

"Yes, he is from Roumania, but he was educated, partially at least, bykinsfolk in Germany, from whom he also got his Christian name. " Theyoung prince explained so unconcernedly that it was evident he knew aslittle about his friend's family as did his listener. 

"You seem to be very partial to him. " There was a slighting tone in hervoice. 

"Yes, I am indeed, " exclaimed Egon, roused in an instant. "And not I, alone. Hartmut has one of those attractive, genial natures, which winsupon all who know him. But the stranger who does not see himunrestrained and at his best, can form no judgment of what he is. Then aflame of fire bursts from his soul, and touches all those with whom hecomes in contact. He exercises a charm which none can resist, and wherehe leads all must follow. "

This glowing eulogy was listened to with cool indifference by the youngwoman, whose whole attention seemed to be centered in the landscape, asshe answered:

"You are right, doubtless. Herr Rojanow's eyes indicate an unusuallyfiery temperament, but their expression is uncanny and surely notsympathetic. "

"Perhaps because they have that peculiar and demoniacal expression whichis always the indication of genius. Hartmut has great talent; hesometimes frightens me with it, and yet it attracts me irresistibly. Ireally do not know how I could live without him, now. I shall doeverything in my power to make him remain with me. "

"In Germany? Your highness sets yourself a hard task. Herr Rojanow has avery contemptuous opinion of our country, I can assure you. He expressedhimself most forcibly to that effect, the other day in the wood. "

The prince listened attentively. These words explained to him what hehad at first thought so singular; why Hartmut had not mentioned to himthe meeting with the baroness. He smiled as he said: "Ah, that's why henever mentioned meeting you to me. You probably showed him you did notapprove of his candid avowal concerning Germany; you served him justright, for there's no sense in his lying so persistently. He has oftenangered me with his harangues against my country, all of which I thoughthe meant, at the time, but now I know better. "

"You do not believe, then?" Adelheid turned suddenly and faced thespeaker. 

"No, I have the proof of it in my hand. He fairly revels in our Germanscenery. Your ladyship looks at me incredulously; may I tell you asecret?"

"Well?"

"I went to Hartmut's room, this morning, to look for him, " began theprince, "and he was not there; but I found on his desk what was betterthan finding him--a poem which he had evidently forgotten to lock up, for he never intended it for my eyes, that's certain. No pricks ofconscience prevented my stealing it, and I have it with me this minute. If you would care to glance at it--"

"I do not understand the Roumanian tongue, " responded Frau vonWallmoden, with a slight sneer; "and I imagine Herr Rojanow has notcondescended to write in German. "

For answer Egon drew a paper from his pocket, and unfolded it. "You areprejudiced against my friend, I see, but I do not want to leave him inthe false light in which he has placed himself in your eyes. May I notread this to you, and let his own words be his justification?"

"If you desire. "

The words were spoken indifferently, but Adelheid's eyes sought thepaper with an expression of keen interest. A few verses, written in acareless, hasty hand, covered the white page. Egon began to read. Theywere indeed German verses, but in them was a pureness and euphony whichtold that they could only have been written by a master of that tongue, and the description which they gave was one well known to bothlisteners. Deep, sad, woodland loneliness, pervaded by the first breathof autumn; endless green depths which swayed and beckoned with theirgloomy shadows; fragrant meadows flooded with the golden sunlight;silent stretches of water in the far distance, and the noisy murmur ofthe mountain brook, as it rushed down from some nearer height. Thispicture had life and speech in it, too, and had its echoes of anold-time woodland song; the rustle and whisper of the swaying branchessounded to the ear like a soft, low melody, and above all and throughall, was the deep, pent-up longing for that peace which was thebackground of the whole scene. 

The prince had begun with fervor, and entering into the spirit of thepoem, read clearly and intelligently. As he finished, he turned to thebaroness with a triumphant, "What do you say to that?"

Frau von Wallmoden had not lost a word; she had not looked at thereader, though, but had gazed across the distant hills. Now, at theprince's question, she turned slowly. "Is this the language of one whodespises our country?" he continued, confident he had the best of theargument. And as he looked closely at her, while demanding justice forhis friend, he realized for the first time, just how lovely this Frauvon Wallmoden was. The rosy tints of the setting sun softened the lookin the lovely eyes, and added beauty to the tender oval of her face; butthere was no softness in the cold, deliberate answer: "It is reallyquite surprising that a foreigner should understand our language sowell. "

Egon stared at her. Was this all she had to say? He had expectedsomething quite different. "And what do you think of the poem itself?"he asked. 

"Very full of sentiment. Herr Rojanow seems to possess a great deal ofpoetical talent. Many thanks for your field glass, and now I must godown to my husband. I fear he is tired already, waiting for me. "

Egon folded his paper without a word and returned it to his pocket. Hehad been very enthusiastic over his friend's production, and this youngwoman, colder and more frozen than ever now, chilled him to the bone. 

"I have had the honor of meeting his excellency, and will accompany youdown, with your permission, " he said, courteously. 

She gave a slight bow of acknowledgment and left the platform, followedby the Prince, who had grown suddenly very taciturn. He felt annoyed onhis friend's account, and regretted now that he had read, what to himseemed such a wonderful poem, to a woman who evidently knew nothingwhatever of poesy. 

Hartmut had, in the meantime, after leaving the platform, descended thewinding stairs slowly. The lost purse was a mere subterfuge, for it layin its accustomed place in an inner pocket. 

Adelheid von Wallmoden had mentioned to the prince, soon after shejoined them on the platform, that her husband was awaiting her in thelittle inn, but that he had not cared to climb the steep, dark stairs. Hartmut knew he could not avoid a meeting, but he would at least braveit without witnesses. 

If Wallmoden saw his old friend's son and recognized him, he might notbe able, for the moment, to master his surprise. 

Hartmut did not fear this meeting, though he knew it would be bothpainful and uncomfortable. There was but one in the whole world whom hefeared; but one pair of eyes under whose gaze he would lack courage tolift his own, and in all probability he would never meet that one. 

He could face all others with a proud defiance; he had but exercised hisright in abandoning a hated career. He was decided that there should beno questioning or reproving; if he were recognized, he should requestthe ambassador in a most decided manner, to make no reference whateverto a past with which he was done forever. 

Upon the little veranda of the summer inn, Herbert von Wallmoden satwith his sister. The impending arrival of the duke and his court for theautumn hunting had detained the head forester at home, where he was ingreat demand. The betrothed pair stayed at Fürstenstein, also, and asnothing better offered itself for the day, the three guests decided tocome to Hochberg. 

The view was especially fine this afternoon and the air was like summer. "This Hochberg is really worth seeing, " said Frau von Eschenhagen, asher eyes went searchingly over the landscape. "But we have nearly asgood a view here as up above. I certainly will never climb up those darkstairs, and lose my breath to see any more. No, I thank you. "

"Adelheid was of a different opinion, " responded her brother, as he gavea fleeting glance up the tower. "She suffers neither from fatigue norheat. "

"Or cold either. That was proven the day she was drenched to the skin. She hasn't even a sniffle from it. "

"I have requested her to take a servant with her in future when she goesupon her rambles, " said Herbert quietly. "To be lost in the forest andhave to wade through a brook and then finally be forced to call to heraid a stray huntsman, are things that I do not care to have repeated. Adelheid saw that as clearly as I, and will not go unattended for thefuture. "

"Ah, she's an excellent, sensible wife, a healthy nature through andthrough, with a proper aversion for adventure and romance, " said Reginewarmly. "Ah, there are other visitors on the tower. I thought we wouldbe the only guests to-day. "

Wallmoden glanced indifferently toward the tall, aristocratic young manwho had just emerged from the tower door and was coming toward them;Frau von Eschenhagen's glance was careless, too, but her look changed toone both sharp and intense, and she cried out:

"Herbert, look!"

"At what?"

"At that stranger. What a strange resemblance. "

"To whom?" asked Herbert, looking searchingly, too, into the face of thestranger, who was nearer them now. 

"It's impossible! That is no passing resemblance. It is he, himself, "cried his sister. 

She sprang up pale with excitement, with her eyes fixed and staring atthe young stranger, who was just putting his foot on the first step ofthe shaded veranda. Now his eyes met hers, his large, dark, flaming eyeswhich had so often looked into her own and pleaded for him in hischildhood, and all doubts vanished. 

"Hartmut, Hartmut Falkenried! You!"

She stopped suddenly, for Wallmoden laid his hand heavily, very heavily, on her arm, and said sharply: "You are in error, Regine, we do not knowthis gentleman. "

Hartmut was startled, when, upon reaching the top step, he recognizedFrau von Eschenhagen. The lattice-work had prevented his recognizingher, and for her presence he was not prepared. But at the very momentwhen he realized who it was, the ambassador's words sounded in his ears. He understood only too well what the tone and words implied and theblood rushed to his temples. 

"Hartmut!" Frau Regine called again, looking uncertainly at her brother, who still held her arm fast. 

"We do not know him, " he repeated in the same tone. "Must I repeat it toyou again, Regine?"

She understood his meaning now, and turned with a half-threatening, half-pained glance from the son of her old-time friend, as she saidbitterly: "You are right. I was mistaken. "

Hartmut drew himself to his full height, and an angry look flashedacross his face as he drew a step nearer. 

"Herr von Wallmoden!"

"What is it?" answered the other in a sharp, but contemptuous tone. 

"Your excellency has but forestalled me, " said Hartmut, forcing himselfby mighty effort to speak quietly. "I came to request you not to knowme. We are strangers to one another. "

Then he turned with a haughty, defiant air, and disappeared within thelittle inn. 

Wallmoden looked after him with knitted brow, and then turned to hissister. "Could you not have restrained yourself, Regine? Why make ascene? This Hartmut exists no more for us. "

Regine's face showed clearly her intense excitement, and her lipstrembled as she answered:

"I am no such staid diplomat as you, Herbert. I have not yet learned tobe calm and indifferent when one whom I have for years imagined dead, orgone to ruin, suddenly springs up before me. "

"Dead? He was too young to make that a probability. Gone to ruin? Thatis indeed possible, judging from his life lately. "

"What do you mean?" asked his sister excitedly. "What do you know ofhis life?"

"I know something of it. Falkenried is too dear to me to make me losesight altogether of his son. I have never mentioned what I knew toeither of you. But as soon as I returned to my post, ten years ago, Iused my diplomatic position to ascertain what I could concerning them. "

"And what did you learn?"

"At first, only what we already knew, that Zalika had taken her son toRoumania. You knew that her step-father, our cousin Wallmoden, had diedsome time before, and after her divorce from Falkenried she always livedwith her mother. From that time we heard nothing of her until she cameto Germany to capture her son, but just before she came, as I learned, she inherited a large fortune by the death of her brother. "

"Her brother? I never knew she had one. "

"Yes, he was ten years her senior, and on attaining his majority hadbecome master of a large estate. His mother's second marriage waschildless and he never married. When he met with a sudden death whilehunting, Zalika, being next of kin, fell heir to his large possessions. As soon as she entered into possession, she began at once to plan howshe could get her son. You know that part of the story. Then they passeda few years in a wild, erratic life upon her Roumania estate, and theyfairly flung money away in their extravagance. After that they becamebankrupt, and mother and son went out into the world like gypsies. "

Wallmoden told all this in the same cold, contemptuous tone as that inwhich he had spoken to Hartmut and in Regine's face, too, was a look ofabhorrence for the wife and mother who had fulfilled so ill the dutiesof her station. But she could not restrain the anxiety she felt for theson, as she asked:

"And since then? Have you heard nothing further?"

"Yes, on several occasions. Once when I was with the embassy atFlorence, I heard her name mentioned incidentally. She was at Rome; thena year after that she was back in Paris again; and sometime later Iheard that Frau Zalika Rojanow was dead. "

"So she is dead, " said Regine, softly. "How did they live all theseyears?"

Wallmoden shrugged his shoulders. "How do all adventurers live? Perhapsthey had saved something from the shipwreck, perhaps they hadn't. At anyrate she was to be found in the saloons of Rome and Paris. A woman likeZalika could always find assistance and protection. As a Bojar'sdaughter she had her title of nobility, and even the forced sale of herRoumanian estate, about which many knew, may have aided her to play her_rôle_. Society opens its arms only too willingly to such as she, especially when they have talent, and that Zalika undoubtedly had. Bywhat means she lived is another question. "

"But Hartmut, upon whom she forced such a life, what of him?"

"He's an adventurer. What else could you expect?" said the ambassador inhis curtest tone. "He inherited her temperament, and his life with herhas developed the dormant tendency. Since his mother's death, threeyears ago, I have heard nothing of him. "

"And why did you keep all this from me?" said Regine, reprovingly. 

"I wanted to spare you all I could. You had always given the boy toowarm a place in your heart, and I thought it better to let you imaginehim dead. Have you ever told Falkenried any of your idle speculationsconcerning him?"

"Once I ventured to speak of the past to him. I hoped to break throughthe icy reserve which he always maintains towards me now. He looked atme, I will not soon forget his eyes, and said with fearfulimpressiveness: 'My son is dead. You know that, Regine. We will let thedead rest in peace. ' I have never mentioned Hartmut's name since then. "

"I suppose I hardly need counsel you to be silent when we return home, "continued her brother. "On no account let Willibald hear of thismeeting, for he's so good-natured that he'd be off at once if he heardhis boyhood's friend was in the neighborhood. It's much better he shouldknow nothing about it. If there should be a second meeting I will justignore the fellow. Adelheid does not know him; in fact she doesn't evenknow that Falkenried had a son. "

He broke off suddenly and arose, for his young wife and her escortemerged at that moment from the tower door. The prince greeted theambassador and his sister, whom he had met a day or two before, andasked quite innocently whether they had seen his friend Rojanow, who haddisappeared from the tower a few moments before. 

Wallmoden threw a warning glance toward his sister, who stared at theprince in surprise, and answered promptly and politely that he had seenno gentleman, and added that he was just on the point of going in searchof his wife, as it was quite time they should return home. The order tothe groom was given at once, and a minute later the prince was bowinglow to the fair woman and her husband, whom he had accompanied to thecarriage. He stood a full minute looking after them when the carriagerolled away. 

Hartmut stood at the window of the little public room looking at thetrio in the carriage, also. 

On his face lay the same deadly pallor as when the name of Wallmoden wasmentioned two days before, but to-day it was the pallor of a wild, intense anger. He had steeled himself against question or reproof; thesehe would have met with supercilious arrogance, but the contemptuousmanner in which he had been set aside struck him to his heart's core. Wallmoden's words to his sister, "We do not know him. Must I repeat thatagain?" incited his whole being to revolt. He felt keenly the sentencewhich lay in them. And Aunt Regine, too, the woman who had once shown analmost motherly affection for him, she turned her back on him as ifashamed of her first impulse to speak to him. That was too much!

"Oh, here you are at last, " sounded Egon's voice from the door. "Youdisappeared most mysteriously. Well, did you find your pocket-book?"

Hartmut turned toward his friend; he felt he must be on his guard. 

"Yes, " he said absently. "I found it on the stair, as I expected. "

"You might as well have let the watchman get it for you. But why didn'tyou come back? 'Twas very shabby of you to desert Frau von Wallmoden andme. You have not, I fear, won the lovely lady's favor. You were mostungracious. "

"I shall have to endure my misfortune as best I can, " said Hartmut witha shrug. 

The young prince came nearer, and laid his hand affectionately on hisshoulder. 

"Or perhaps you incurred her displeasure day before yesterday? It is notyour wont to go off on a tangent when you are conversing with a charmingwoman. O, I know all about it; the baroness thought fit to reprove youfor your attack on Germany, and you resented it. Now, a man should agreeto everything which comes from such lips. "

"You seem to be quite excited, " sneered Hartmut. "Better look to it thatthe gray-haired husband does not grow jealous, in spite of his years. "

"Yes, they're a singular couple, " said Egon, half aloud, as if lost inthought. "This old diplomat, with his gray hair and his keen, immobileface, and the young wife with her dazzling beauty like a--like a--"

"Northern light, above a sea of ice. It is a question which of the twois farthest below freezing point. "

Prince Egon laughed out at the comparison. "Very poetical and verymalicious. But you are right enough. I felt the icy breath of this polarstar several times myself. It's just as well I did, for it is all thatsaved me from falling head over heels in love with her. But I think we'dbetter be starting now, don't you?" He turned to the door to order thegroom to bring around the horses. 

Hartmut, on the point of following him, turned once more to glance fromthe window at the carriage, which could be seen through an opening inthe trees. He clenched his fist as he muttered:

"We will speak yet, Herr von Wallmoden. I will remain now. He shall notimagine that I am a coward and flee from him. Egon shall bring my workto the notice of the court. We shall see then whether he will dare totreat me like an adventurer. He shall pay yet for that glance and tone. "

CHAPTER VII. 

At Fürstenstein everything was in readiness for the reception of theCourt. The ducal party was coming this autumn for the entire huntingseason, which lasted for several weeks, and the duchess was expected aswell. The second floor of the castle, with its countless rooms, wasprepared for the illustrious guests, and some of the officials andservants had already arrived. The little town of Waldhofen, throughwhich the duke would pass, was in a state of excitement, too, as thetownspeople made their modest preparations to do the great man honor. The Wallmodens had come for a short visit, but under existingcircumstances, decided to prolong it; in fact the duke himself, learningof their whereabouts, and desirous of showing the ambassador and hiswife some especial mark of his favor, had expressed a desire to meetthem at Fürstenstein. This amounted to an invitation which it would havebeen unwise to refuse. 

Frau von Eschenhagen and her son were to remain also, to have anopportunity of "viewing these Court people close at hand. " The headforester, in view of the prospective hunting which was his especialcare, had daily interviews with the under foresters and theirsubordinates, and kept them all pretty well on their legs, that nothingmight be neglected. Life at the castle just at present was anything butmonotonous. In Fräulein von Schönau's room, this bright morning, therewere sounds of gay chatter, and many a clear, good-natured laugh. Marietta Volkmar had come for a little gossip with her old friend, andas usual during such visits, the laughter and the babble knew no end. Toni sat in the window-seat, and near her stood Willibald, who, by hismother's special orders, was to play the _rôle_ of sentinel. 

Frau von Eschenhagen had not yet been able to accomplish her purposeconcerning the opera singer. Her brother-in-law had remained obdurate, and even from her future daughter, whom she imagined so pliant, she hadmet with decided resistance when she demanded that all intercourseshould be broken off between the two. "I cannot do that, dear auntie. You ask too much, " Toni had answered. "Marietta is so noble and good. Icould not wound her so deeply. "

"Noble and good!" Frau Regine shrugged her shoulders over theinexperience of this girl whose eyes she might not open; but she wasdiplomatic enough to let the subject drop for the present and bide hertime. Willibald, accustomed to confide in his mother, had told her ofhis meeting with Fräulein Volkmar, and how he had enacted the part ofporter at her suggestion. Frau von Eschenhagen was, naturally enough, incensed at the thought that her son, the heir of Burgsdorf, should actas lackey for a "theatrical hussy. " She drew, for his benefit, a pictureof this child of the devil, and explained how it would be animpossibility for her to follow such a shameless life without beingthoroughly bad. Willibald, of course, was horror stricken at what heheard, and agreed fully with his mother that his future wife must beprotected from so contaminating an influence. 

He received orders never to let the young girls be alone, and to watchcarefully how this Marietta behaved. At the very first intimation of adisgraceful word or action, Regine would go to her brother-in-law anddemand that he should no longer permit his daughter to associate withsuch an one; then she would call her son as witness, and the incubuswould be expelled at once and forever from their presence. Willibaldhad been on guard when Marietta paid her first visit to Fürstenstein, had accompanied Toni to Waldhofen when she went to the old doctor's tosee her friend, and he was now at his post again, to-day, in Antonie'sboudoir. 

Antonie and Marietta were chatting over the approaching arrival of theCourt at Fürstenstein, and the former, who possessed little taste in thematter of dress, was asking her friend's advice about some details ofthe toilette, and Marietta was giving it eagerly. 

"What are you going to wear with this gown?" asked Marietta. "Roses ofcourse, white or very delicate ones. They will suit admirably with thisfaint blue. "

"No, I can't get roses, " Toni declared. "I shall wear china asters. "

"Better wear sunflowers. Why should you, a young girl, just affianced, too, wear such autumnal flowers? I do love roses so, and wear themwhenever opportunity offers. I was so disappointed that I couldn't haveone for my hair for the burgermeister's party to-night, but there isn'tone to be had in Waldhofen. It is getting late in the year for them. "

"The castle gardener has a rose tree in bloom in one of the hot-houses, "said Antonie in her sleepy manner, which formed so decided a contrast toher friend's sharp, decisive tones. 

Marietta shook her head with a laugh. "They're for the duchess withoutdoubt, so we cannot beg for them, and must think of something in theirstead. And now that we are entering upon the toilet question, yourpresence, Herr von Eschenhagen, is quite unnecessary. You don't knowanything about such matters, and our chatter must weary you greatly. Butin spite of all, you don't desert us, and what have I done so veryremarkable, pray, that you stare at me all the time?"

The words sounded very ungracious. Will was startled, for the lastquestion was only too true. He had just been thinking how well a fresh, half-blown rose would look peeping from those dark, curly locks. Toni, who had not observed how attentively he was gazing at her friend, nowsaid good-naturedly:

"Yes, Will, do go. You'll be wearied to death with our gossip, and I'mnot half through yet--I have a great deal to tell Marietta. "

"As you will, dear Toni, " answered her lover, hesitatingly. "But I maycome back again?"

"Of course, whenever you wish. "

Willibald went. It did not annoy him in the least, this having to deserthis post of observation. He was thinking of something quite different ashe stood for a moment alone in a little ante-room. The result of histhoughts was that he left the castle a few minutes later, and directedhis steps toward the head gardener's quarters. 

Scarcely had he left the room when Marietta sprang up exclaiming:

"Heavens, but you're a pokey pair of lovers!"

"But, Marietta, " said Toni, vexed. 

"Yes, whether you are vexed with me or not, I must say it. I hadexpected such a jolly time when I heard you were engaged. You never wereparticularly lively, but as for this fiancé of yours he don't seem toknow how to talk at all. What in the world did he say when he proposedto you? Or did his mother do it for him?"

"Don't jest all the time, " said Toni, really angry now. "It's only inyour presence he's so silent; when we're alone he can talk gliblyenough. "

"Yes, over the new threshing-machine which he has invented himself. Iheard him talking about it just as I came in, and you were listening allears. Oh, you'll be a pattern man and wife, and rule Burgsdorf in a mostexemplary manner, but heaven protect me from such a happy marriage. "

"Marietta, you are very rude, " said the young girl, highly incensed now. In the same moment her friend had thrown her arms around her neck, andsaid coaxingly: "Do not be angry, Toni. I did not mean to bedisagreeable, and do indeed rejoice in my heart if you are happy; onlyyou see--every one to his taste; my husband must be different fromyours. "

"Well, what must he be, pray?" asked Toni, resentful yet, but mollifiedby her friend's coaxing tone. 

"In the first place he must be under my rule and not under his mother's;second, he must be an honest, upright man, of whose protection I canfeel assured--that's not inconsistent with petticoat government, so longas I do the governing. He need not be much of a talker. I'll attend tothat part myself. But he must love me, love me better than father andmother or houses or lands, better than his threshing-machine, even--Imust be first in his thoughts, ever and always. "

Toni shrugged her shoulders contemptuously. "You have very childishideas at times, Marietta; but let us decide about the gowns. "

"Yes, we'd better do that at once, for your dearly beloved will comeback soon and plant himself down like a sentinel between us. Hecertainly has a talent for standing sentry. Now as to this blue silk--"

Even now the pros and cons of dress could not go on smoothly, for Frauvon Eschenhagen opened the door at this moment, and called Toni to giveher advice concerning some household matter. Toni rose at once and leftthe room, but, instead of following her, her aunt remained and sankdown in a chair by the window. Frau von Eschenhagen wished to see forherself. Will had not satisfied her; he had grown red and embarrassedwhen called upon to repeat the girlish gossip which had taken placebetween the two maidens, and his mother, who believed all this lightchatter but a cloak for something worse, determined to take the matterinto her own hands. 

Marietta had risen respectfully at the entrance of the elder woman, whomshe had met but once before, and whose inimical bearing toward herselfshe had not perceived in the joy of her first meeting again with herfriends. She only noticed that Toni's future mother-in-law was not acordial woman. This morning Frau Regine looked her over from head tofoot with a critical eye. Marietta seemed to her like all other girls, but she was pretty, very pretty--and that was bad. She had short curlyhair all over her head--and that was worse. 

There was no mistaking Frau Regine's attitude toward the young singer, whom she now begun to question. "You are a friend of my son's betrothed, I believe?"

"Yes, my lady, " was the unconcerned reply. 

"A friend since childhood, I understand. You were brought up andeducated by Dr Volkmar?"

"Yes, I lost my parents when I was very young. "

"So my brother-in-law was telling me. And what was your father'scalling?"

"He was a physician, the same as grandfather, " answered Marietta, moreamused than annoyed by this examination, the object of which she did notsuspect. "And my mother was a physician's daughter, so we might well becalled a medical family, might we not? I'm the only one who has branchedoff into another profession. "

"Ah--what a pity, " said Frau von Eschenhagen, impressively. The younggirl looked at her puzzled. Was she joking? No, there was no expressionof pleasantry on the lady's face as she continued: "You will agree withme, my child, that the descendant of an honorable and respected raceshould show herself worthy of her family. And you should have thought ofthat in choosing your vocation. "

"Good heavens, but I couldn't study medicine like my father andgrandfather, " cried Marietta, laughing outright. The matter seemed ajoke to her, but her merriment displeased her severe questioner, whosaid, sharply:

"There are, thank God, plenty of honorable positions for young girls. You are a singer?"

"Yes, madame, at the Court theatre. "

"I know it, I know it! Do you feel inclined to resign your positionthere?"

The question was put so suddenly and in such a domineering tone, thatMarietta involuntarily drew back. Since her first meeting with the son, when he had seemed so stupid and silent, and had run off soprecipitately, she had decided within herself that he was not of soundmind. Now the thought came to her that his weakness was an inheriteddisease from his mother; for certainly this woman could not be in herright mind. 

"To resign my position?" she repeated. "And why?"

"Upon moral grounds, altogether. I am ready to offer you a helping hand. If you will turn your back upon those paths of frivolity and vice, Ipledge myself to obtain for you a respectable position as governess orcompanion. "

The young singer understood at last why the matron had been soconcerned; she threw her head back with an angry, half spitefulmovement. "I thank you very much. I love my profession dearly, and haveno thought of exchanging it for any dependent position. Besides, I fearmy education has not fitted me to make an efficient upper housemaid. "

"I expected some such answer, " Frau von Eschenhagen replied, nodding herhead darkly, "but I felt it my duty to make at least one appeal to yourconscience. You are very young, and, consequently, are not altogetherresponsible; the heavier blame falls upon Dr. Volkmar for allowing hisson's child to enter such a vicious career. "

"My dear madame, I must request you to leave my grandfather out of theplay altogether, " Marietta spoke excitedly now. "You are Toni's futuremother-in-law, otherwise I would not have allowed this questioning. Butan insult to my grandfather I will not permit from any human being. "

The two excited women had not heard a distant door open, and did notknow that Willibald had entered. He seemed frightened when he saw hismother, and slipped something which he carried carefully wrapped inpaper, into his coat-pocket, but he kept his place by the door. 

"I have no intention of quarreling with you, my child, " said Frau Reginein an arrogant tone. "But I am, as you say, Toni's future mother-in-law, and as such deem it my duty to protect her from all improperintercourse. I beg you will not misunderstand me. I am not proud, andthe grandchild of Dr. Volkmar is, in my eyes, a fit companion for myniece; but a lady of the theatre will, rightly enough, seek hercompanions among the theatrical circle, but here at Fürstenstein--youunderstand me, I hope?"

"Oh, yes, I understand you, my dear madame, " cried Marietta, her wholeface aflame now. "You need say nothing further; I have but one word toask. Do Herr von Schönau and Antonie agree with you in what you havejust said?"

"As regards the root of the matter, certainly. But I would not have youthink for a moment that they would refuse to--" a very expressive shrugof the shoulders concluded this sentence. The upright and truth-lovingwoman did not for a moment imagine she was guilty of an untruth; herprejudices were deeply rooted, and she could not imagine the headforester not agreeing with her at bottom, notwithstanding hiscontradictory nature prevented him admitting it frankly; as for Antonie, she was a good-natured little thing, but she lacked the stamina requiredto end such an intimacy, and her aunt, in consequence, was resolved toend it for her. But at this critical moment something unexpectedhappened. Willibald stepped forward and said, half reproachfully:

"But, mother--"

"Is it you, Will? What are you doing here?" asked his mother, to whomthis interruption was anything but pleasant. 

Willibald understood full well that his mother had been ungracious, andhe usually retreated as quickly as possible when he found her in a badhumor. To-day he took his stand with unwonted bravery. He came a stepnearer and repeated: "But, mother, you must have misunderstood them. Toni never thought of such a thing, Fräulein Volkmar. "

"What do you know about it? Do you mean to accuse me of falsehood?" hisenraged mother turned on him. "What business is it of yours what Idiscuss with Fräulein Volkmar? Your bride's not here, you can see thatfor yourself, so you may go, also, and at once!"

The young heir had flushed deeply at this tone, to which he was wellaccustomed; but before this girl it seemed to shame him, and he lookedas though he would resist his mother's authority for once. His faceassumed a defiant expression, but a threatening, "Well, don't you hearme?" conquered him as usual. He turned hesitatingly, and left the room, but the door behind him remained half open. 

Marietta glanced after him with a contemptuous curl of the lip and thenturned back to her adversary. "You need give yourself no furtheruneasiness, my dear madame. I have come to Fürstenstein for the lasttime. As the head forester had received me with his old-time cordiality, and as Antonie was as affectionate toward me as ever, I could not knowthat they felt that there was a stain upon me on account of theprofession which I follow. Had I suspected such a thing I surely wouldnot have inflicted myself upon them. It will not happen in the future, never again. "

Her voice failed her, and her face bore a new, pained expression, whileit was with difficulty she restrained the tears. Frau von Eschenhagenfelt she had gone too far in her candid statement. 

"I do not want to annoy you, my child, " she said, unbending a little. "Ionly wanted to make it clear to you that--"

"Not want to annoy me when you say such things to me?" interrupted thegirl with flashing eyes. "You treat me like an outcast, not fit anylonger for association with decent people, and why? Because I earn mybread with the talent which God has given me, and give pleasure tomankind at the same time. You traduce my old grandfather who made greatsacrifices to have me well educated, and who saw me go out into theworld with a heavy heart. The bitter tears stood in his eyes as heclasped me in his arms, and said, as he bade me good-bye: 'Be honest andtrue, my Marietta. One can be that always, no matter what their road inlife. When I close my eyes on this world I shall have nothing to leaveyou. You will have to fight your own battle. Well, I have remainedhonest and true, and shall remain so, even though everything is not aseasy for me as for Toni, the daughter of a rich father, who only leavesher parent's home to go into her husband's. But I don't envy her thehappiness of calling you mother. "

"Fräulein Volkmar, you forget yourself, " said the insulted motherdrawing herself to her full height. But Marietta wasn't going to besilenced now, she was too excited. 

"O, no, it is not I who forget myself. It was you who insulted mewithout cause, and the head forester and Antonie must be well under yourinfluence to turn away from me. But no matter. I do not desire thefriendship of any girl who will allow herself to be bullied andbrow-beaten by a mother-in-law. I am done, once for all. Tell Toni I saythat, Frau von Eschenhagen. "

She turned away with a passionate motion and left the room. In the frontone, however, she could retain her composure no longer, and the hottears, kept back so bravely until now, forced themselves from her eyes. With a passionate sob the young girl leaned her head against the walland wept bitterly. She heard her name called in a low, trembling tone, and turning, she saw Willibald von Eschenhagen, in his hand the verypaper which he had so hastily concealed in his pocket. It was crumplednow, but within, as he unfolded the paper, lay a delicate spray ofleaves with two fragrant half-blown roses. 

"Fräulein Volkmar, " he stammered again. "You wished for a rose, pleaseaccept--" In his eyes and in his whole bearing one could read plainlythat he deplored his mother's ruthless candor. Marietta repressed hersobs, the tears were still glistening in her eyes, as she looked up athim with an expression of disdain and contempt. 

"I thank you, Herr von Eschenhagen, " she said with acerbity. "You hearddistinctly the words which your mother spoke to me, and whatever elsethey may have meant, they most certainly meant that I was to be shunned. Why do you not obey them?"

"My mother has done you an injustice, " said Willibald, half-aloud. "Andshe did not speak in the name of the others. Toni knew nothing about it, believe me. She--"

"Then why didn't you speak out and say so?" interrupted the girl withgrowing anger. "There you stood, listening to a shameful, insultingattack upon a young, defenseless girl, and hadn't enough manhood to comeforward and take her part. True enough, you did attempt something of thekind, but you were well scolded, and sent off like a school-boy, and youwent without a word, too. "

Willibald stood like one in whose ears heavy thunder is echoing. He hadfelt most keenly the injustice of his mother's scathing remarks, and wastrying in his timid way, to do what he could to make amends and show hisgood will, and here he was being soundly rated for his pains. He stoodand stared at her without speaking, and his silence incensed the girlstill more. 

"And now you come and bring me flowers, " she continued with growingexcitement. "Secretly, behind your mother's back, and do you think Iwould accept such an insult? First learn how a man should behave when hewitnesses such an iniquity, then pay attention to trifling courtesiesafterwards. Now--now, I will show you what I think of you and yourpresent. " She tore the paper from his hand, rolled it like a ball andthrew it upon the floor, where she stamped on it passionately with herlittle foot. 

"But Fräulein--" Willibald, vacillating between shame and anger, wouldhave interfered to save his roses, but the dangerous look in the darkeyes warned him to keep back. 

"Now we are quits. If Toni knows nothing about all this I am sorry, butI shall stay away for the future rather than expose myself to freshinsults. I pray she may be happy, though I should certainly not be so inher place. I am only a poor girl, but I would never marry a man who wasafraid to speak without his mother's permission. No, not if he were heirto Burgsdorf ten times over. "

With this she turned her back upon the heir, and a second later left theroom. 

"Will, what does this mean?" sounded the voice of Frau von Eschenhagen, who stood in the half-open door. As she received no answer, she crossedthe room to her son's side with a step and manner which prophesied nogood for that young man. 

"That was a most remarkable scene which I have just witnessed. Will yoube good enough to explain to me what it signifies? That littleinsignificant thing, bubbling over with passion and anger, telling youthe most disgraceful things to your very face, and you standing therelike a sheep, taking them all. "

"Because she had the right to say them, " said Will, still looking downat the scattered rose leaves. 

"She had what?" asked the mother, who could not believe she heardaright. 

The young heir raised his head and looked at her; his face wore a newand singular expression. 

"She had the right of it, mother. It is true you have always treated melike a school-boy, so how could I defend myself against such anaccusation?"

"Boy, I believe you have lost your senses, " said Frau Regine. 

Willibald was roused now. He continued: "I am no boy, I am the heir ofBurgsdorf, and twenty-seven years old. You have always forgotten that, mother, and so have I, for that matter, but I remember it to-day. "

Frau von Eschenhagen gazed astonished at her son, so tractable all hislife until this moment. "I verily believe you are becoming refractory. Let us have no more of it, for you know I would never permit such athing. What has come over you that you make such reckless assertions?Because I have seen fit to bring this very unsuitable intercourse to anend, and dismiss this Marietta, do you take it upon yourself, as soon asmy back is turned, to make formal apologies and present her with roseswhich you have just plucked for your bride? I don't know what's comeover you. It's the first time in your life you ever acted so. Toni willbe very much displeased when she learns what has become of her roses. Itserved you just right to have the little vixen trample them under foot. You won't be guilty of such idiotic folly soon again, I fancy. "

"I did not pluck the roses for Toni, but for Fräulein Volkmar, " Willexplained, defiantly. 

"For--?" the name stuck in the excited woman's throat. 

"For Fräulein Volkmar! She was wishing she had a rose to wear in herhair this evening, and said she could not get any in Waldhofen. So Iwent to the gardener and got them for her--now you know all about it, mother. "

Frau von Eschenhagen stood like the pillar of salt; she had becomedeadly pale and for a moment the light seemed to go out; she saw suchfearful possibilities that she lost all power of speech and motion. Thensuddenly she regained all her old strength. She grasped her son's armimpressively, as if to make sure of him under all circumstances, andsaid curtly:

"Will--we will start to-morrow. "

"Start where?"

"For home. We will start early, at eight o'clock, in order to catch theafternoon express, and reach Burgsdorf the day following. So go at onceto your room and do your packing. "

The commanding tone did not this time make the slightest impression onher son. "I do not intend to pack, " he declared, doggedly. 

"You will pack at once, I tell you!"

"No, " said the son. "If you wish to go, mother, then go--I remain here. "

This was rebellion, and it removed the last doubt in the mother's mindthat there was something at the bottom of all her son's assertiveness. She said now in her hardest tone: "Boy, wake up, be yourself again! Ireally don't believe you know what has come over you. But I will tellyou. You are in love--in love with Marietta Volkmar. "

She brought out the last words in a towering rage, but Will was notoverwhelmed by them. He stood for a moment staring in surprise, as ifwondering if it was really that which had overtaken him, then a lightseemed to dawn upon him. 

"O!" he said, drawing a deep breath, and a slight smile flitted acrosshis face. 

"O! is that your only answer?" broke forth the furious mother, who, inspite of everything, still hoped for a contradiction. "You do not evendeny it. And this is what I must live to see in my own son, whom Ieducated so carefully and never allowed to leave my side. While I washaving you watch and protect your betrothed from this infamous woman, you were acting a hypocrite. And she playing the virtuous, deeplyinjured part before me, that creature--"

"Mother, be silent! I will not allow that, " interrupted Willibald, angrytoo, now. 

"You will not allow it--what does that mean?"

Frau von Eschenhagen stopped suddenly and listened. 

"There comes Toni, your betrothed bride, to whom you have pledged yourword, who wears your ring. How do you purpose treating her?" She had atlast found the right means to conquer her son, who now hung his headdespondently as Antonie entered the room. 

"You're here already, are you, Will?" she asked. "I thought--but what isthe matter? Has anything happened?"

"Yes, " said Regine, who, as usual seized the reins without fear. "Wehave just received a telegram from Burgsdorf which will compel us tostart for home to-morrow morning. You need not be alarmed, my dearchild, it is nothing serious, only a piece of stupidity, "--she laid asharp accent upon the last words, --"a piece of stupidity which will soonright itself, and the sooner its checked, the sooner the matter'll beended. I'll explain it all to you later, but we must go now; it can't behelped. "

Antonie listened attentively, but it required more than such anannouncement to stir her from her wonted repose, and the declarationthat it was nothing of moment, satisfied her. "But will Willibald haveto go, too?" she asked, without any special eagerness. "Can not heremain?"

"Well, Will, can't you answer your sweetheart?" said his mother, fastening her sharp gray eyes on her son. "You know best all thecircumstances. Do you think you can afford to remain here?"

There followed a short pause. Willibald's glance met his mother's; thenhe turned toward Toni and said, in a half-depressed tone:

"No, Toni, I must go home--there is nothing else for it. "

Toni took this news, which another girl would have seriously deplored, very calmly, and began to plan where they had better dine on the morrow, for they had a long distance to go by carriage before they would meetthe express train. This troubled her much more than the parting, and shefinally decided that she would prepare a luncheon for them, so that theyneed have no care concerning their midday meal. 

Frau von Eschenhagen triumphed in her heart as she went to announcetheir departure to her brother-in-law. She had already decided upon thereason which she would give him for their abrupt departure. Of course agreat many things could happen on a large estate like Burgsdorf, whichwould demand the master's presence at a moment's notice. So the headforester knew no more than his daughter, although he, in his blindness, had been the cause of it all. 

As for the rest, Frau Regine did not doubt her powers as soon as sheshould get her son away from the influence of this witch. He had shownhimself amenable to reason at the last moment. She would say nothingmore to him now, save to point out what his betrothal to Toni demandedfrom him as a man of honor, and what a fatal error it had been to allowanother to influence him even for an hour. 

"Wait, my son, " she said grimly, to herself, after conning over thewhole thing for the twentieth time, "wait. I will teach you to harborsuch sentiments, and revolt against your mother. Only wait until I getyou to Burgsdorf, then God have mercy on you, if you evince any signs ofobstinacy!"

CHAPTER VIII. 

There was life and animation and excitement upon that momentous day whenthe duke and duchess, with their numerous retinue, were expected atFürstenstein; even the old forest, which had been witness to so manymagnificent hunts in its time, put on its warmest colors, and showed inthe clear sunlight its deepest reds and most vivid greens. 

The reigning duke was, above all things, an ardent and keen sportsman, and he rarely missed a few days of sport at this season. Now when he wascoming for several weeks, and was bringing with him such a large suite, it was found that Fürstenstein, notwithstanding its size, could notaccommodate them all. Suitable quarters had to be found in Waldhofen, and that little town was in a state of pleasurable excitement inconsequence. 

Prince Adelsberg, besides being the owner of the adjoining estate andcastle, was also connected in some way with nearly all the familiesforming the ducal suite, and could not of course neglect them. Some ofthe men had been invited to take up their quarters at his little huntinglodge, so that the life and bustle which centered at Fürstenstein, extended to the woodland loneliness of Rodeck. 

To-night the castle was brilliantly illuminated, and the colored lightswhich gleamed from its many windows, threw a rosy glow over wall andtower. It was the first large gathering since the arrival of the Court, and every one in the whole neighborhood who laid any claims whatever tosocial rank, had been invited. The interior of the castle had beengorgeously decorated, and the spacious rooms with their lights andmusic, and throngs of elegantly attired woman, together with theglittering appearance of the men in their court costumes, formed a scenenot soon forgotten. 

Prominent among the many grand ladies of the little court was the wifeof the Prussian ambassador. It was her first appearance among them, herfather's death, following immediately upon her marriage, having secludedher, and now, in the little circle where her husband's position gave hermuch prominence, she was the cynosure of all eyes. The duke, too, andhis duchess, to whom she had been presented a few weeks previous, treated the ambassador's wife with special deference. 

The court ladies, however, looked upon the appearance of this new starwith anything but satisfaction. They all discovered soon enough, thatFrau von Wallmoden, with her cold and haughty manner, was a very proudwoman, and certainly she had no reason to be so; they knew only too wellwho she was: only a burger's daughter, who had no right to be in theircharmed circle at all; her father's great wealth, and a certainprominence to which he had attained by success in his manufacturinginterests, were all she could lay claim to at best. But she certainlycarried herself with remarkable security; they all admitted that it wasevident her husband had schooled her carefully for her first appearance, for she made no mistakes. 

The men were of another opinion. They found that the ambassador hadproven himself a profound diplomatist in this, as in other things. He, standing on the threshold of old age, had married a beautiful young girlwith a fortune, which fortune, if report did not err, had been greatlyaugmented since their marriage, and was still on the increase. Such acondition of affairs was to be envied. Wallmoden was not the leastsurprised at the impression which his wife's beauty and manners madeupon them all, and he took it, as the true diplomatist takes all things, as a matter of course. He had expected nothing else, and would on thecontrary have been surprised if she had not created a sensation. 

He stood for one moment now, in a window recess with his brother-in-law, the head forester, and asked casually, while he glanced indifferentlyover the heads of the guests:

"Who is it Prince Adelsberg has with him? Do you know?"

"You mean the young Roumanian? No. I see him to-day for the first time;but I have heard about him before. He is Prince Egon's bosom friend, andaccompanied him on his oriental tour. He's as handsome as a picture, andhow the fire does flash in his eyes. "

"He looks to me like an adventurer, " said Wallmoden, coldly. "How did hecome to be invited here? Has he been presented to the duke?"

"Yes, at Rodeck, so I heard. The duke went over there the first thing. Once in a while Prince Adelsberg succumbs to the, rules of etiquette. But as to this invitation, it signifies nothing; every one is invitedhere to-day. "

The ambassador shrugged his shoulders. 

"It is hardly wise to invite persons about whom you know absolutelynothing into your midst. "

"You diplomatists want all the credentials sealed and delivered, "laughed his brother-in-law. "There's something aristocratic lookingabout this Rojanow, too, which one does not expect to see in aforeigner. But I'm glad enough to invite any one out of the common forhis grace. He must be wearied with this endless court etiquette andcourt gossip, year in and year out. The duke, by the way, seems to havetaken a great fancy to this young Roumanian already. "

"Yes, so it seems, " said Wallmoden, a cloud gathering on his brow. 

"As for the man's history, if he has any, what does it matter to us?Well, I must look after Toni, and see how she's getting along withoutthat lover of hers. That was a queer freak of Regine's. As soon asanything concerning her beloved Burgsdorf comes on the tapis, nothingwill keep her. And she raises such a racket with her son, too. She mightas well have left Will here. No one knows why she dragged him away; justbefore the duke came, too. --I'm sure I'll never understand your sister. "

"It's a good thing she did, " muttered Wallmoden, as he separated fromvon Schönau. "If Willibald had seen his boyhood's friend here, therewould have been another scene, doubtless. Who would have thought thatHartmut would carry his defiance so far as to go to a house where hemust have known he would meet the ambassador. "

Prince Adelsberg, who, through his name and wealth, and his near kinshipto the reigning house, took a first position in the brilliant littlecircle, had made a point of introducing his dearest friend to the duke, at Rodeck, and the stranger had impressed the duke so favorably that hehad made special comment of him to the duchess. 

This Rojanow, with his charming personality and the air of mystery whichsurrounded him, had only to exert himself to receive due attention onall sides. 

And to-day he exercised all those fascinating qualities which hepossessed in fullest measure. His conversation sparkled with wit andanimation, and his ardent temperament imparted to everything he said thestamp of originality, while united with this he showed himself a masterof social courtesies. 

It was no difficult matter for the ambassador to avoid the Roumanian; ina large house filled with guests, such avoidance is an easy matter, andneither of these two were anxious for a meeting. Wallmoden turned nowinto an adjoining room, where the duke's sister, the Princess Sophie, was holding a little court. The princess had married the younger son ofa princely house, but had been a widow now for years, and had livedsince her widowhood at her brother's court, where she was by no means afavorite. The duchess was beloved for her gentleness and kindheartedness, by all who came in her way, but her elderly sister-in-lawwas disliked heartily for her arrogance and acerbity. They all fearedher sharp tongue, which never failed to bring to light disagreeablefeatures or fancies, as the case might be, concerning those with whomshe had to do. 

Herr von Wallmoden did not escape this fate; he was received mostgraciously and congratulated at once upon the great beauty of his wife, about which there could be no dispute. 

"Your excellency has indeed my warmest congratulations. I was quitesurprised when your young wife was presented to me. I had, as a matterof course, expected to meet a much older woman. "

The "matter of course" had a malicious sound, for the princess had knownfor the past six months that the elderly ambassador was married to agirl of nineteen; he smiled in a perfectly placid manner, as heanswered:

"Your highness is very good. I cannot be too thankful if my wife hasmade a favorable impression upon yourself and your family. "

"O, you need not doubt that the duke and duchess are quite of myopinion. Frau von Wallmoden is really a beauty--Prince Adelsberg seemsto think so also. Perhaps you have not noticed how greatly he admiresher?"

"Yes, your highness, I have noticed it. "

"Really? And what do you say to it?"

"I?" asked Wallmoden, composedly. "Whether or no she cares to accept theprince's homage is wholly and solely my wife's affair. If she finds anypleasure in it--I certainly will lay no commands upon her. "

"Your enviable confidence in your wife should be an example to youngerhusbands, " replied the princess, angry that her arrow had missed itsaim. "It is very pleasant, at least for a young wife, to feel that herhusband is not jealous. Ah, here comes Frau von Wallmoden herself, withher knight by her side. My dear baroness, we were just speaking of you. "

Adelheid von Wallmoden, who with Prince Adelsberg, had just entered theroom, made a courtesy to the princess. She was indeed dazzling in herbeauty to-day, for her rich Court toilette so well chosen, suited hermost admirably. The costly white brocade, with its long, heavy folds, set off her slender figure to advantage, the pearls which encircled herneck, and the diamonds which glistened in her light blonde hair, werejewels well worth the notice of connoisseurs; but that which was mostworthy of attention was the singular coldness and earnestness of thisyoung wife's face and bearing. She bore no resemblance whatever toothers of her own age in this brilliant assemblage, who were for themost part married also, and who were decked out in all the witcheries oflace and flowers. They possessed nothing of her stateliness, but she inturn had none of their sweetness or assumed gentleness; none of thatpremeditated amiability which society women assume under the publicgaze. The severe rigidity of that lovely face was a heritage from herfather, whose stern, austere nature had left its impress upon her soulas well. 

Egon kissed the hand of his illustrious aunt, and murmured a few politewords of greeting, but the amiable attention of her highness wasdirected toward the beautiful woman who had just joined them. 

"I was just saying to his excellency, that you found yourself at homevery readily in our little Court circle, my dear baroness. You areentering our little society for the first time to-day, and have lived, no doubt, in a very different atmosphere until now. Your name was--?"

"Stahlberg, your highness, " was the quiet reply. 

"Oh, yes, I remember it now. I have heard the name often enough. It waswell known, I believe--in mercantile circles. "

"My dearest aunt, you must permit me to set you right in this matter, "interrupted Prince Egon, not wishing to lose an opportunity to anger hisaunt. "The Stahlberg manufacturies have a worldwide reputation, and areas celebrated across the ocean as here. I had an opportunity, when I wasin North Germany, to learn something about them, and can assure you thatthese works, with their iron foundries and enormous factories, theircolony of officers and army of workmen, could absorb many a littleprincipality, whose rulers have no such unlimited power as had thebaroness' father. "

The lady threw her princely nephew anything but a friendly glance; hisinterference was to her mind most uncalled for. 

"Indeed! I had no conception of such greatness, " said she innocently. "Ishall have to greet your excellency from this time forth as a greatruler. "

"Only as a regent of the empire, your highness, " answered theambassador, seconding, a little apparently harmless joke. "I am only myfather-in-law's executor, and guardian of my wife's younger brother, whowill assume the entire management of the works as soon as he reaches hismajority. "

"Ah, indeed. The son will have to learn to keep a watchful eye over hisinheritance. It is really astonishing to me to see what in these dayscan be accomplished by the energy of a single man. It is all the morecreditable, too, when he, like the father of our dear baroness here, springs from the people. I think I heard that, but I may be mistaken!"

Princess Sophie knew well that the ambassador, with his old Prussiannoble ancestry would find this rehearsal of his father-in-law's stationin life anything but pleasant, and it gave her great satisfaction tonote that none of the little group who surrounded her, lost a word ofthe conversation, which was meant to humiliate the lovely new comer. Baroness von Wallmoden drew herself up proudly as she replied:

"Your highness has been correctly informed. My father was of the people, and entered the capital a poor boy with no means whatever at hiscommand. He had many and great struggles, and worked for years as asimple artisan, before he could lay even the foundations for his greatundertaking. "

"How proudly Frau von Wallmoden says that, " cried the princess laughing. "O I love such childlike attachment, above everything. And HerrStahlberg--or was it von Stahlberg? The great industrial heads often gettitles of nobility. "

"My father took no such title, your highness, " said Adelheid, meetingthe other's glance quietly but directly. "It was offered to him but herefused it. "

The ambassador pressed his lips tightly together; he could not forbearthinking this last utterance of his wife very undiplomatic. Thecountenance of the princess assumed at once an irritated expression, andshe answered, with an unconcealed sneer:

"Well, it is at least fortunate that this aversion was not inherited bythe daughter. Your excellency will know how to appreciate it. Pleasegive me your arm, Egon. I want to find my brother. "

She bowed coldly to those around her as she took the arm of her nephew, in whose face was plainly written:

"Now it is my turn. "

He did not deceive himself, his aunt had no intention of seeking theduke; she turned into an adjoining room with her young kinsman that shemight have him under her eyes without interruption for a little time. Atfirst she expended her anger against this unbearable, arrogant Frau vonWallmoden, who boasted of the vulgar pride of her father, while sheherself married a baron for his title, for, of course, she could feel nolove for a man who was old enough to be her father. Egon was silent forhe had speculated on that matter himself. How had so unequal a marriageever come about? But his silence just now was resented by his incensedaunt. 

"Well, Egon, why don't you say something? Really it does seem as if youwere this woman's sworn knight, you are by her side continually. "

"I always do homage to beauty, when it comes in my way, you certainlyknow that, my dear aunt, " explained the prince, striving to shieldhimself, but he only brought down a fresh storm on his head. 

"Yes, I know that--I'm sorry to say. You have in this particular alwaysexhibited great folly. You do not seem to remember all my warnings andadmonitions before you started for the Orient. "

"O, yes, I do, " sighed Egon, to whom the very memory of those endlesslectures was an oppression. 

"Really! But you have not returned more sensible or settled. I haveheard things--Egon, there's only one salvation for you--you must marry!"

"For heaven's sake! Anything but that!" exclaimed Egon, in such a voiceof affright that the princess shut her fan with an angry snap, as shesaid in a sharp tone:

"What do you mean by that?"

"O, nothing but my own unworthiness to enter into such a holy state. Youyourself, your highness, have often assured me that I was speciallycreated to make a wife unhappy. "

"If the wife does not succeed in making you better. But you are ahopeless case. At any rate this is neither the time nor the place todiscuss so serious a matter. The duchess is planning a visit to Rodeck, and I am thinking of accompanying her. "

"What a charming idea, " said Egon, to whom the thought of an invasion byhis noble kinsfolk was even more terrifying than the marriage plan. "Iam rejoiced that Rodeck, notwithstanding its isolated situation, contains something worthy of notice just at present. I brought a goodmany curiosities home with me from my journey, among other things alion, two young tigers, and some very rare snakes. "

"But not alive?" interrupted his aunt. 

"Of course, your highness. "

"The Lord preserve us! Your life is not safe. "

"Oh, they're not so dangerous after all. Only a few of the beasts havebroken away; the people are so afraid of feeding them--but they werecaught again and have not done any harm up to this time. "

"Up to this time! A nice condition of affairs, I must say, " exclaimedthe princess angrily, "to keep every one in the region in constantdanger of their lives. The duke ought to forbid you such diabolicalamusement. "

"Oh, I trust not, for I'm just trying to tame them. But I have somedomesticated creatures to show, as well. Among my servants are severallovely girls who are well worth looking at in their picturesque nationalcostumes. "

Egon thought with a shudder, as he made this assertion, of the wretchedold woman for whose appearance he had to thank the ever-watchfulStadinger, but he had not miscalculated the effect of his announcement. His amiable aunt drew herself up with an angry snort, and measured himwith no conciliatory glance. 

"Oh, you have them at Rodeck also?"

"Yes, indeed; and little Zena, the granddaughter of my old steward, is alovely little thing, and if you do me the honor of visiting me, dearaunt, I'll--"

"I will not go near the place, " his aunt interrupted sharply. "Theremust be nice goings on at Rodeck anyway, which keep you there with thatyoung foreigner who is another of the curiosities you brought from theOrient. He looks like an out and out brigand. "

"My friend Rojanow? He longs for the honor of being presented to youabove all things. I may introduce him now, may I not?" and withoutwaiting an answer, he hurried away to fetch Hartmut. 

"Now its your turn, my boy, " he said, seizing his friend by the arm. "Ihave been the sacrificial lamb long enough, and now my angelic aunt musthave some one else to turn on the spit. She wants to marry me off atonce, and she thinks you're a veritable brigand, but, God be praised, she won't come to Rodeck. I've made that my special care. "

The next moment the two friends were standing before the princess, andEgon presented the latest victim with an amiable smile. 

After the princess's abrupt departure, Herr von Wallmoden remained for afew minutes chatting with the little group which the irate lady haddeserted. Then, offering his wife his arm, he walked slowly through thelong salons, greeting an acquaintance here, or saying a word to a friendthere, until they had reached the last of the gaily decked suite whichhappened to be empty. The tower-room was used generally only as aresting place and a point of observation, from which a very good view ofthe forest heights could be obtained, but to-day it was richly carpetedand the walls were hung with heavy tapestries, while choice plants werescattered about in artistic groupings and designs, so that the littleroom was as shaded and picturesque as could be desired, and a rest toboth eye and brain, after the glitter and noise and light of the largerones. The ambassador had judged aright in thinking he would have anuninterrupted moment with his wife, for whom he now drew forward a lowchair. 

"I must call your attention to the fact, Adelheid, " he began in a low, condemnatory tone, "that you were guilty of great imprudence, just now. Your speech to the princess--"

"Was in self-defence, " the young wife broke in. "You understood, as wellas I, the object of the whole conversation. "

"That's as it may be. You have, on your first entrance into society, made an enemy who will make both you and me feel her animosity verykeenly as time goes on. "

"You!" Adelheid looked at him in surprise. "Will you, the ambassador ofa great nation, have anything to fear from a malicious woman, whohappens to be related to the ducal house?"

"My child, you do not comprehend, " responded her husband, coolly. "Anevil-tongued woman can be more dangerous than any political opponent, and Princess Sophie is famed in this respect; even the duchess herselffears her slanderous tongue. "

"In that the duchess and I differ--I do not fear her. "

"My dear Adelheid, " said the ambassador with a superior smile, "thatproud movement of the head does you great credit. But at Court, you mustlearn to do as others do. One cannot give royalty a lesson before toomany witnesses, and that is what you did when you spoke of your father'sdeclination of a title of nobility. It was not necessary for you to beso explicit concerning your father's origin. "

"Should I have falsified?"

"No, but it was a well known fact--"

"Of which I am proud, as was my father before me. "

"You are no longer Adelheid Stahlberg, but the Baroness Wallmoden"--thebaron's voice had assumed a sudden sharpness. "And you, yourself, willbe forced to admit that when a woman has married into a family of theold nobility, it is hardly fitting for her to sneer at the nobles. "

The young wife's lips were drawn in with a bitter expression. Althoughshe had been speaking in a subdued tone, she dropped her voice stilllower, as she said now: "Have you forgotten, Herbert, why I gave you myhand?"

"Perhaps you have had cause to regret it?" he said, questioning insteadof answering. 

"No, " said Adelheid with a deep breath. 

"I thought you were perfectly contented with the position to which youhad attained by marrying me. As for the rest you know I exercised nocontrol over you. I left it to your own free will. "

His wife was silent, but the bitter expression was yet on her lips. Wallmoden rose and offered her his arm. 

"You must permit me, my child, to help you at times, for you areinexperienced, " he said in his wonted polite tone. "I have had everyreason to be contented with your tact and discretion, but to-day Ithought it necessary to give you a hint. Will you take my arm?"

"I will remain here a few minutes if you please, " said Adelheid. "It isso stifling in the saloon. "

"As you please. But I must beg you to come back soon, otherwise yourabsence will be noticed. "

He saw that she was vexed and disturbed, but he thought best to take nonotice of it. He knew well what was expected from them both in theirlittle world, and felt for both their sakes it was better to educate hiswife from the start in those matters which she did not seem to graspfully. 

He left her now, and Adelheid leaned back in her chair and gazed fixedlyat the flowering plants which were grouped by her side, but under herbreath she whispered with a gasp:

"_My own free will. O my God!_"

Prince Adelsberg and his friend had, in the meantime, been dismissed, and had made profound bows before the princess as she rose to leave theroom. The sharp features of her highness wore an unusually mildexpression, and Rojanow was favored with a very gracious smile as shedeparted. 

"Hartmut, I believe you are a witch, " said Egon, half aloud. "I have hadproof many times that you are irresistible, but this last effort ofyours throws all others in shadow. For my gracious aunt to have soprolonged an attack of amiability is unknown in the annals of thefamily. "

"Well, my reception was ungracious enough. Your aunt seemed to think atfirst that I was a full-fledged brigand. "

"But it only took ten minutes to win her smiles and make you a declaredfavorite. What is it you have about you, old fellow, which wins on everyone? It makes one believe in the old fable of the rat-catcher. "

The old scornful expression, which effaced all his beauty, swept acrossHartmut's face now, as he said contemptuously:

"I understand how to sing to tickle the ears of my hearers. You have tostrike the chords according to the taste of your listener, but after youhave learned that secret no one can withstand you. "

"No one?" repeated Egon, as his eye glanced over the room. 

"No, not a single soul, I assure you. "

"Oh, you're a pessimist with all your inferences. I only wish I knewwhere Frau von Wallmoden was, but I don't see her in any place. "

"His excellency was reading her a little sermon on her undiplomaticutterances in the other room a short time ago. "

"Why, did you hear what she said?" asked Egon, surprised. 

"Certainly, I was standing by the door. "

"Well, I'm glad enough my worshipful aunt was given a snub, and wasn'tshe furious over it, though; but do you believe that the ambassadorwould take his wife to task for--hush, here he is himself. "

Yes, there was Baron von Wallmoden himself, true enough, and just infront of them as they came from an adjoining room. 

It was impossible to avoid a meeting now, and the young prince, who hadno premonition that any secret relations existed between the two, hastened to present them. 

"Permit me, your excellency, to atone for the neglect of which I wasguilty on the mountain the other day, but my friend had disappeared forthe moment when we came down from the Tower. Herr Hartmut Rojanow--Baronvon Wallmoden. "

The eyes of the two men met, the one with a sharp, contemptuous gaze, the other, equally sharp, but haughty and defiant. The ambassador wastoo much of a diplomat, however, to be other than the courteousgentleman. 

His greeting, though cold, was polite, but he turned at once to theprince to speak, and chatted to that gentleman alone for the minute ortwo that they stood together. 

"His excellency is more of a ramrod than ever to-day, " said Egon to hisfriend as they went on. "Whenever that cold, calculating countenancecomes near me I feel frost-bitten and long to fly to the torrid zones. "

"I suppose that's why you seek to bask in the rays of that glitteringnorthern light, his wife, " said Hartmut with a sneer. "Can you tell mefor whom we are searching, in this weary pushing and crowding throughthese heated rooms?"

"I want to find the head forester, " said the prince, irritated at hisfriend. "I want you to meet him, but you are in one of your bad humorsto-day. Perhaps I'll find Schönau in the arrow-room. I'll go and look atany rate. "

He left his friend abruptly, and did indeed set out for thearrow-saloon, where the duke and duchess were, and where he hoped tofind Adelheid von Wallmoden. Unhappily for him, just at the entrance ofthe room, he was once more entrapped by his aunt, who pointedimperiously to a chair by her side. She wanted to hear all there was tobe told about the handsome and interesting young Roumanian, who hadquite won her heart, she said, and her uneasy nephew was obliged topossess his soul in patience as he answered her many questions. 

The noise and the merriment were at their height, as Hartmut nowthreaded his way alone among the throng. He also sought someone, but hewas more fortunate than Prince Egon; casting a fleeting glance into thetower-room, the entrance to which was almost hidden by portieres andexotics, he saw the edge of a white satin train which swept the floor, and in the next second he stood upon the threshold. 

Adelheid von Wallmoden still sat on the same spot where her husband hadleft her. She turned her head slowly now as some one entered. 

Suddenly she sat erect, and then returned the young man's deep obeisancewith her accustomed icy bow. 

"Have I disturbed you, baroness?" he asked. "I fear you sought thisroom for quiet, and my intrusion was unintentional, I assure you. "

"I only sought a cool place; the heat of the larger rooms seems almostsuffocating. "

"I came for a like reason, but as I have not had an opportunity to greetyou before to-day, my dear madame, permit me to do so now. " The wordssounded very formal. Rojanow had come a step nearer as he spoke, but hestill remained at a respectful distance. No movement of hers since heentered had escaped him, and a singular smile lay in his eyes as helooked steadily at the young wife. 

She had made a motion as if to rise and depart, but the thought thatsuch a sudden course could only be constructed into flight, restrainedher in time. So she leaned back in her chair again and bent over abranch of great purple-red camelias. 

As she plucked a blossom, she answered his question carelessly enough, but her face had assumed the same look of determination and force whichit wore the morning on which she stood for a second in the middle of theforest brook. Then she had stepped knee deep into the water rather thanaccept his services. Here in the castle, with noise and motion on allsides, there were no such obstacles to be overcome, and now the sameman, with his dark glance, stood opposite her, and never took his eyesoff her face. 

"Will you remain much longer at Rodeck?" she asked, with theconventional tone and manner usually accorded a chance acquaintance. 

"Probably for a few weeks yet. As long as the duke is at Fürstenstein, Prince Adelsberg will not be apt to desert his hunting lodge. Later Iintend accompanying him to the capital. "

"And there we shall hear of you as a poet, I presume?"

"Of me, my dear baroness?"

"I heard so at least, from the prince. "

"O, that is only one of Egon's ideas, " said Hartmut, lightly. "He hastaken it into his head to have my 'Arivana' brought out on the stage. "

"'Arivana?' A singular title. "

"It is an oriental name taken from an Indian legend, but its poeticalwitchery made such an impression upon me that I could not resist thetemptation to create a drama from it. "

"And the heroine of this drama, is she called 'Arivana?'" asked thebaroness. 

"No, that is only the name of a sacred place of refuge during the middleages, upon which the scene of the drama was laid. The heroine's nameis--Ada. "

Rojanow spoke the name half-aloud, with a certain hesitation, and gaveher a triumphant glance as he saw the same lowering of the head over theflowers as when he first spoke; he came a few steps nearer now while hecontinued:

"I heard the name for the first time on Indian ground, and it had for mea strangely sweet sound, so I adopted it for my character, and now Ilearn here that it is, in this country, but the abbreviation of a Germanname. "

"Of Adelheid--yes. I was always called Ada in my father's house. But itis not at all remarkable that the same sounds are repeated in differentlanguages. "

The words were spoken coldly, but the speaker did not raise her eyesfrom the flowers with which her hand played. 

"Not at all, " agreed Hartmut. "It has often been a surprise to me tohear the same fable repeated in different countries over and over again. The coloring is different, to be sure, but the passion, the woe, thehappiness of our human race is alike in them all. "

Adelheid shrugged her shoulders. 

"I won't dispute over the matter with a poet, but doubt it, notwithstanding. I think our German legends wear a different countenancefrom the dreamy tales of India. "

"Perhaps, but when you study them deeply, you will discover the samefeatures in both. These common features are manifest in the legend of'Arivana, ' at least. The principal character is that of a young priestwho has consecrated himself, body and soul, to the service of hisdivinity, to the holy fire, but in time he is mastered by an earthlylove with all its glow and passion, till his priestly vows dissolve inits consuming flame. "

He stood opposite her, quietly and respectfully, but his voice had anodd, covert sound, as if something of deeper significance were hiddenbeneath this story. Frau von Wallmoden looked up at him suddenly, andsaid, gazing earnestly into his face:

"And--the end?"

"The end is death, as in all these legends. The knowledge of the brokenvows comes to light and the guilty ones are offered as a sacrifice to anenraged deity--the priest perishes in the flames with the woman whom heloves. "

There was a second's pause after the last words were spoken, thenAdelheid rose abruptly; she would end this conversation at once. 

"You are right; no doubt the legends do resemble ours; it is only theold story of sin and atonement. "

"Do you call that sin, my dear lady?" Hartmut dropped suddenly the moreformal madame or baroness. "Men call it sin and punish it accordingly, without any premonition that such a punishment will lead to perfecthappiness. To pass away in a flame of fire after one has enjoyed thehighest earthly joys, and is yet surrounded by them in death. Ah! thatis to die like a god--far better such a death than a long, stupid, humdrum existence. Eternal, undying love rises like a flaming brand tothe heavens above, in defiance of mankind's sentence--do you not thinksuch an ending is enviable?"

Adelheid's face was pale, but her voice was as steady and cool as ever, as she answered:

"No, nothing is enviable but death for a high and holy duty. One canforgive sin, but can never admire it. "

Hartmut bit his lips and gave the slender, white robed figure who stoodnear him a threatening glance. 

"Ah, what a hard sentence to meet my drama at the outset, for I haveexpended all my strength in transfiguring just such love and death. Whatif the world's judgment is like yours--I beg your pardon, madame. "

He crossed to the divan upon which she had been sitting, where her fanand the camelia blossom yet lay. 

"I thank you, " said Adelheid, extending her hand for them, but he onlyhanded her the fan. 

"I beg your pardon--I wrote my 'Arivana' upon the veranda of a littleIndian house where these lovely flowers were gleaming through the darkfoliage on all sides, and to-day they greet me here again in the coldnorth. May I not keep this blossom?"

Adelheid made a little impatient motion. 

"No; for what reason?"

"For what reason? As a reminder of the harsh sentence which my poem hasreceived from the lips of a woman who bears the same name as my heroine. There were many white blossoms, baroness, but you broke offunconsciously the deep purple-red. Poets are superstitious above allthings. Let me keep this as a token that my work may yet find favor inyour eyes, when you learn to know it. You do not know how much itcontains. "

"Herr Rojanow, I--"

It was apparent to him, both from her voice and manner, that she meantto refuse his petition, so he interrupted her in a subdued, butpassionate tone:

"What is a single blossom to you which you plucked heedlessly and castaside so carelessly? To me--baroness, as a favor--I beg you, baroness. "

He stood close by her side. The witchery of voice and eye which had sooften overcome all obstacles in his boyhood's days, and which had thenbeen exercised, unconsciously, had become a great power in these lateryears, and one which he knew how to use only too well. 

His voice had again that soft, persuasive tone which fell on her earlike music, and his eyes, those dark, fathomless eyes, were fixed on theyoung wife with a half melancholy, half pleading expression. Adelheid'sface had grown very white now, but she did not answer. 

"Please, " he repeated, in a lower, more pleading tone, as he pressed hislips to the purple-red blossom; but this last motion seemed to break thespell. Adelheid reached her hand out suddenly. 

"I must insist upon your giving me my flower, Herr Rojanow. It is for myhusband. "

"Indeed, then, I beg your pardon, madame. "

He held out the flower to her with a profound bow, and she took it witha scarcely perceptible motion of the head, then the heavy white train ofher robe rustled past him--he was alone. 

All in vain! Nothing affected this icy nature. Hartmut stamped his footin a fury. Scarcely fifteen minutes ago he had asserted to Prince Egonthat he could sing to please the ear of any woman. Now he had sung againthat song which never before had failed him, and all to no purpose. Butthis proud, arrogant man could not believe that the game which he sooften won had been lost this time, and in this knowledge lay hisdetermination to win yet at all hazards. 

And should it only remain a game? He had not called himself to accountas yet, but in the intense interest which this beautiful woman excitedwithin him, there was a strong mixture of hate. There had been anantagonistic feeling on that first day in the wood, and since then hehad been repelled and attracted by turns; it was just that which spurredhim on. 

Love, the holy, pure significance of that word, was a stranger to theheart of Zalika's son. He had learned much that was harmful at the sideof his mother, who had made such a shameless spectacle of her ownhusband's love; and the many women who were her companions andassociates in her Roumanian home, but echoed her sentiments concerninglove and fidelity. Their later life, unstable and adventurous, with noground under their feet, had ruined altogether all ideals of happinessand love in the young man's breast; he learned contempt before helearned love, and now he received his well-deserved humiliation as aninsult. 

"You keep me at bay now, " he murmured. "You are battling againstyourself. I have felt it and seen it, but in such a battle the man isalways victor. "

A slight rustle of a curtain made him turn round. It was the ambassadorin search of his wife, whom he thought still here; he stood on thethreshold and threw a hasty glance around the room, when he caught sightof Hartmut. He stopped and hesitated for a moment, then he said halfaloud:

"Herr Rojanow--"

"Your Excellency!"

"I would like to speak to you alone for a few minutes. "

"I am at your service. "

Wallmoden stepped forward into the room now, but he took up his positionso that he could keep his eye on the entrance. 

It was scarcely necessary, for the doors into the dining-hall were justopened, and the room adjoining the tower-chamber was deserted. 

"I am surprised to see you here, " began the ambassador, in the subdued, but severely cold tone which he had used the day of their first meetingat Hochberg, and it brought the blood to the younger man's brow to-day, as it had done then. He straightened himself proudly as he answered:

"And why, your Excellency?"

"That question is superfluous; in any case I did not imagine that Ishould be forced into the position of being presented to you by PrinceAdelsberg. "

"It was I who was forced, " answered Hartmut, sharply and promptly. "I donot suppose you consider me an intruder? You know full well that I havea right to be here. "

"Hartmut von Falkenried certainly had a right--but all that is changed. "

"Herr von Wallmoden!"

"Pardon me, but not so loud, " interrupted the ambassador. "We can beheard here easily, and you would certainly not like strange ears to hearthe name which I have just spoken. "

"I am bearing my mother's name at present, to which I have certainly aright. When I laid aside the other, it was out of respect--"

"To your father, " interrupted Wallmoden, impressively. 

That was an admonition which Hartmut found hard to bear. "Yes, " heanswered curtly, "and I confess it would be painful to me if I should beforced to mention--"

"And with reason; your _rôle_ here would, in that event, be played tothe end. "

Rojanow stepped close to the ambassador with an angry movement, as heretorted:

"You are the friend of my father's youth, Herr von Wallmoden, and I, inmy boyhood days, called you uncle. But you forget that I am no longerthe boy whom you could order about and censure at pleasure. The manlooks on all that as an insult. "

"I purpose neither to insult you, nor to make mention of formerassociations which have no longer any existence for either of us, " saidthe ambassador. "I sought this interview in order that I might explainto you that it is not possible for me, in my official position, to seeyou in constant intercourse with the Court and keep silence. It will bemy duty to explain all to the duke. "

"Explain all? All what?"

"Many things about which none of the people here, not even your friendPrince Adelsberg, know. Listen to me, Herr Rojanow. I will not do thisexcept it is forced upon me, for I have an old and dear friend to spare. I know how a certain occurrence struck him down ten years ago, anoccurrence which is buried and forgotten these many years in our countrynow; but if all this was brought up and gossiped over again--ColonelFalkenried would die. "

Hartmut paled perceptibly, and the scornful expression faded from hislips. 

"He would die!" the words rang in his ears. He knew only too well howtrue they were, and for the moment all defiance died within him. 

"It is to my father that I am answerable, at any rate, " he responded, controlling his voice with an effort. "To him alone and to no other. "

"He will scarcely call you to account--his son is dead to him. But wecan let that rest. I speak especially of those later years which yourmother and you spent in Rome and Paris, where you lived at a glitteringpace, in spite of the fact that the Roumanian estate had been sold underthe hammer. "

"You seem to know all the particulars, " retorted Rojanow, highlyindignant now. "We were not aware that we were under such vigilantinspection. As to our manner of life, we lived as best pleasedourselves, upon the remnant of the fortune which was saved from thewreck. "

"There was nothing saved, the whole fortune was squandered, even to thelast heller. "

"That is not true, " interrupted Hartmut stormily. 

"It is true. Don't you think I know more about it than you?" Theambassador's voice was sharp and sneering now. "It is very possible thatFrau Rojanow did not consider it necessary to explain to her son themeans by which she obtained her gold; better to leave him in ignorance. I know from whence the money came--if she did not tell you, so much thebetter for you. "

"Have a care, sir, about insulting my mother, " the young man was besidehimself now, "or I may forget your gray hairs, and demand satisfaction. "

"For what? For an assertion which I can back with indisputable proof atany moment? Let us put aside all such mad folly and say no more on thatsubject. She was your mother and she is dead, so her past shall be adead letter to us. I have only this one question to put to you, whetheryou will, after this conversation, remain here and become one of thecircle which Prince Adelsberg has opened for you?"

Hartmut had become deadly pale at the allusion made to his mother, andthe source from which she had obtained money, and the first stare withwhich he gazed at the speaker showed only too clearly that he had noknowledge of anything disreputable, but at the last question he began torecover himself. He cast an almost insane glance at his enemy, and awild determination sounded in his voice as he answered:

"Yes, Herr Wallmoden, I shall remain. "

The ambassador had not expected this answer; he had thought after hisconversation the matter would be ended. 

He evinced no surprise, however, and said:

"Really? So you decide to remain? You are accustomed to play high, andexpect to do it here? We will have to interfere with that, I fear. Better think it well over before you decide finally. "

With that he turned quickly on his heel and left the room, just in timeto meet the head forester at its entrance. 

"Where have you been hiding yourself, Herbert?" Schönau askedimpatiently. "I have been searching the whole place for you. "

"I went to the tower-chamber in search of my wife. "

"She's in the dining-room with all the rest of the world, but you havebeen missed already. Come, it is time that we got something to eat. "

With which the head forester took hold of his brother-in-law's arm andled him away, after his usual jolly manner. 

Hartmut stood where von Wallmoden had left him. His breath came fast andthick, and he was almost stifled with the feelings of shame, and hate, and revolt, which surged within him. The ambassador's significantspeeches had crushed him utterly, although he had hardly grasped theirfull meaning. They tore aside the veil with which he, halfunconsciously, half purposely, had enveloped himself. He had believedimplicitly what his mother told him concerning the portion of theirfortune which was saved to them, and which enabled them to live andtravel. But there were times when he had chosen to close his eyes ratherthan enter into investigations. 

When his mother's hand had torn him so suddenly from his father's side, when after the hard discipline of obedience and duty, he had beenplunged into a life of boundless freedom, he had allowed himself anunchecked rein, having no one to whom to account for his actions. He wastoo young for reflection or judgment, and later--but it was too late forhim then, and habit had woven a net about him which could not bedestroyed. Now for the first time it was shown him clearly anddefinitely what that life was which he had led so long; the life of anadventurer, and as an adventurer he was to be expelled from society. 

But above all the shame was the sense of ignominy and defeat, thefeeling of intense hatred toward the man who had told him the truth. That unholy heritage from his mother, the hot, wild, passionate blood, which had proven so fatal to the boy, welled up like a stream of fire inthe man's breast and extinguished all feeling but that of revenge. Hartmut's handsome features were still disfigured with passion andanger, when, with compressed lips, he finally left the tower room. 

He knew and felt but one thing, that he must have revenge, revenge atany price. 

It was late when the guests arose from the table. The duke and duchessretired soon after, and carriage after carriage ascended the castlehill, and descended soon after with its full complement of departingguests; lights were extinguished, and bolts and bars were drawn, andFürstenstein was soon enveloped in silence and darkness. 

From the rooms occupied by Baron von Wallmoden and his wife lights werestill shining. Adelheid stood at the window peering into the darkness. She yet wore her rich court gown, and as she leaned her head against thepane, lost in thought, her attitude was one of weariness and languor. 

Wallmoden sat at his writing table, reading hastily the dispatches andletters which had arrived during the day. One or two seemed to containmatter of importance, for he did not place them with the pile which wereto be answered or destroyed early in the morning, but took up his penand made a check across them in red ink; then he arose and crossed theroom to his wife. 

"This comes unexpectedly, " he said. "I'll have to go to Berlin at once. "

Adelheid turned round surprised. 

"This is very sudden. "

"Yes, I had hoped to settle the matter by letter, but the ministerdesires a personal conference. I must take my leave of the duke early inthe morning, and set off at once. I'll be away about eight days, Ipresume. "

In the shadow of the curtain Adelheid's face could not be seen clearly, but one could fancy a sigh of relief escaped her, as if her heart was tobe lightened of a burden. 

"At what hour do we start?" she asked quickly. "I must give my maid herorders at once. "

"We? It's a purely business affair, and I am going alone. "

"But that won't prevent my accompanying you!"

"There would be no object in that. I'll only be away a week or two. "

"But I--I'd like to see Berlin again. "

"What a whim!" her husband answered, shrugging his shoulders. "I'll haveso many claims upon my time that I could not have you with me. "

The young wife had stepped to the table, and stood in the glare of thelamp. She was very pale now, and her voice had a pleading sound as shesaid:

"Very well, then, I will go home. But it is not possible for me toremain at Fürstenstein alone, without you. "

"Alone!" The ambassador gave her a puzzled look. "You remain with ourkinsfolk whose guests we are. Since when have you become so anxious forprotection? That is a peculiarity which I had never observed in youuntil now. I don't understand you, Adelheid; it's a most singularcaprice which you have taken into your head, this desire to accompanyme. "

"Well, call it a caprice. But let me go with you, Herbert--please let mego. "

She laid her hand beseechingly on his arm, and her eyes had an intenseand anxious expression, as she looked at her husband. There was asuperior, almost sneering smile on his lips, as he answered her:

"Now I understand it. The scene with the princess was so unpleasant toyou that you dread other skirmishes of a like nature. You must steelyourself against such sensitiveness, my child; you should see that forthis very reason, it is imperative for you to remain. At court everyword, every glance signifies, and your sudden departure might give riseto any kind of a report. You must hold your ground from the very startat court, or you will find your difficulties increase rather thandiminish. "

The wife's hand dropped slowly from her husband's arm, and her eyes sankto the ground, as he refused the first request she had preferred sincetheir married life of only a few short months. 

"Stand my ground?" she repeated, in a low voice. "That I shall ever do, but I hoped you would be at my side. "

"That is, for the moment, not possible, as you see. As for the rest, youhave shown to-day that you know how to defend yourself. And I have nodoubt that the hint which I found it necessary to give you, will bearfruit, and that you will, in future, be guarded in your answers. At anyrate, you must stay here until I return. "

Adelheid was silent. She saw that nothing was to be gained by furtherspeech. Wallmoden stepped back to the writing-table and put aside hispapers, and locked his drawers with his usual precision; then he took upthe two letters, with their red checks, and folded them together. 

"One thing more, Adelheid, " he said, casually, "Prince Adelsberg wasmost noticeable in his attentions to you to-day; he was always nearyou. "

"Do you wish me to keep him at a distance?" she asked, indifferently. 

"No, indeed, only keep him within bounds, so that there will be nounnecessary talk. No harm will come to you from being in his company. Wedo not stand on the same plane as the burgers, and it would be ludicrousfor me, in my position, to enact the jealous husband toward every manwho pays my wife attention. I leave all that to your discretion; I haveunbounded faith in your tact. "

This sounded very reasonable, very temperate, and above all, veryindifferent. No one could accuse Herr von Wallmoden of jealousy towardsthe young prince, whose undisguised admiration caused him no secondthought; and, as he had just said, he had unbounded faith in his wife'stact. 

"I will send these telegrams myself, " he said. "Since the duke's arrivalthere's a telegraph office in the castle. You should ring for your maid, my child; you look tired and worn--good-night. "

With that he left her, but Adelheid did not follow his advice. Shereturned once more to the window, and a bitter, pained expression lay onher face. She had never before felt so keenly that she was to herhusband nothing more than a glittering bauble, to be exhibited by him toprove how wisely he had chosen a wife; she was to be treated with thegreatest courtesy and politeness, because a princely fortune had beenreceived from her hand; but as a woman she was to be refused the mosttrifling request with equal courtesy, because it did not suit hispleasure. 

The night was dark, and the low clouds which surrounded the forestheights were black and heavy; only here and there, where a breakoccurred, was a star to be seen glimmering far and faint in the distantheavens. The face which peered out into the darkness had not the proud, cold look which the world knew, but a disturbed, anxious expression, lacking altogether that repose which was its chief characteristic atmost times. 

The wife had both hands pressed against her breast, as if in pain. Shewould have flown from that dark power which she felt was upon her. Shehad sought her husband's protection, had plead for it--in vain. He wentand left her alone, and the other remained, with his dark, demoniacaleyes, with his voice and tones, which exercised such a singular, irresistible influence over her. 

CHAPTER IX. 

October had come. It was autumn's reign. The leaves of the trees wererichly colored with deep and varied hues. The landscape lay envelopedmorning and evening in fog and mist, and the nights brought with themthe hoar-frost, but the days, for the most part, were sunny anddelightful. 

Since the gay evening on which the whole country round had assembled, there had been no special festivities at Fürstenstein; all interest hadcentered in the hunt, which was, of course, of paramount importance tothe men. 

The duke, at his wife's instance, decided to have no other great ornoisy entertainment at the castle. The duchess liked a change of facesin their little circle, but she courted the quiet and freedom fromrestraint which her mountain home brought her. There were frequentarrivals and various excursions, both by horse and on foot, through themountain forest, and a goodly number always met around the princelyboard at night to discuss the pleasures and excitements of the day. 

Adelheid von Wallmoden belonged, naturally, to this exclusive circle. The duchess, who had learned through some source, of her sister-in-law'sinsulting attitude toward the young wife, had been more amiable thanever, and had managed to keep Baroness von Wallmoden near herselfwhenever it was possible; the duke also, anxious to show all attentionto the Prussian ambassador, seconded his wife's endeavors with zest. 

Wallmoden was still in Berlin, though over two weeks had elapsed sincehe left the castle, and he had not yet been able to write definitely asto the date of his return. 

One of the most frequent guests at Fürstenstein was Prince EgonAdelsberg, who was an acknowledged favorite among his princely kinsfolk, and his friend Rojanow was always included in the invitations sent toRodeck. The prince's prophesies had proven true; Hartmut had descendedupon them like a brilliant meteor. All eyes were turned upon him withadmiration and wonder, and it pleased his new associates to have himsoar above the old fashioned usages and customs of their monotonousCourt life. He had read his 'Arivana' to the duchess at her request, andhad scored a decided success. The duke had promised him that his dramashould be brought out at the Court theatre, and the princess Sophie hadmade a special point of taking the young man under her wing. 

The princely household followed, as usual, in the wake of their master, but willingly enough in this instance, for Hartmut won friends on allsides by his cordiality, good temper, and grace of manner and person. 

The prince's hunting wagon stood before the castle of Rodeck. It wasearly in the day and the faint mist which yet hung over the hillsconcealed a bright, warm sun. Egon stepped out on the terrace dressedfor the hunt, closely followed by the old steward, to whom he wasspeaking. 

"So you want to see the hunt, too, do you?" he asked. "Of course, ifthere's anything to see, Peter Stadinger must see it. My valet has askedpermission also. For that matter I believe all the inhabitants of theforest have turned out to-day with their whole families to go to thehunting grounds. "

"Yes, your highness, they don't often have an opportunity to see such asight, " replied Stadinger. "The great Court hunts seldom take place inour woods. There's hunting enough around here to be sure, but then younever ask any ladies to Rodeck, and the ladies--"

"Are a great bore, " interrupted the prince. "That's my opinion; but whatare you prating about? You are generally down on the women, and unlessthey are over eighty don't want to see one of them around the place. Areyou going back to your young and giddy days?"

"I meant the court ladies, your highness, " said Stadinger impressively. 

"'The court ladies, ' can honor me with their company for a walk, butI'll never invite any of them to any hunt of mine, for I'm still a youngbachelor. "

"And why is it that your highness is still a bachelor?" responded theold servant reprovingly. 

"Man alive, I do believe you are trying to get me married, like myold--like all the rest of the world. Don't waste any thought or time onme, for I won't marry. "

"Your highness is wrong, " remonstrated old Stadinger, who always gavehis master the title once at least in each sentence, for he thought ifhe did have to read the prince a lecture every now and then, he mustshow him some respect while doing it, "and it is unchristian, too, forthe marriage relation is a holy state in which it is well to live; yourfather, blessed be his memory, married--and so did I. "

"Of course, and so did you. Yes, you are the grandfather of that lovelygirl, Zena, whom you sent away in such shameless haste. By the way, whenis Zena coming back?"

The steward appeared not to hear the question, but returned obstinatelyto his theme. 

"Her highness, the duchess, and princess Sophie, are very anxious to seeyou married. Your highness should think it well over. "

"Well, that's enough of your fatherly advice for one day. And it's nobusiness of princess Sophie. By the way, as you are going to Bucheneck, where the hunt meets to-day, it's very possible that you will be seenand spoken to by some of the court. "

"Very possible, your highness, " agreed the steward, complacently. "Hergrace often honors me with a little conversation, for she recognizes meas the oldest servant of a princely house. "

"Well, if the princess should inquire by chance about the snakes andbeasts of prey which I brought with me from my travels, you can tell herthat I'm going to have them sent to one of my other castles. "

"That is not at all necessary, your highness, " replied the steward. "Your gracious aunt has obtained information about everything. "

"Information? About what? Perhaps you have given it. "

"I was questioned the other day at Fürstenstein. Princess Sophie wasjust returning from a walk and beckoned me to her to ask me a fewquestions. "

"The deuce she did!" muttered the prince, who saw mischief. "And whatanswers did you give her?"

"'Your grace need feel no uneasiness, ' I said, 'of living animals wehave only monkeys and parrots at Rodeck, and there's never been a snakeabout the place; a sea serpent was coming, but it died on the way, andthe elephants broke loose before they were shipped at all, and went backto their palm groves--so his highness told me. As to tigers, we havetwo, but they are stuffed, and we've only the skin of a lion in thelarge hall, so your grace can see that no harm will come from them. '"

"No, but enough will come from your tattle, " said the prince, angrily. "And the princess, what did she say to it all?"

"Her grace only smiled and then asked me about the women employed hereat Rodeck, and if all the girls in the region were not here. But Isaid, " and Stadinger threw his head back proudly, "'all the women at thecastle, your grace, were engaged by me. They are all industrious andhonest; I have seen to that; but his highness ran away when he caughtsight of them, and Herr Rojanow was more put out than the prince even, so the gentlemen never paid but one visit to the kitchen. ' Her grace wasvery kind and gracious to me, and took leave of me very well contented, I could see that. "

"And I'd be very well contented to send you to the devil, you old fool. To spoil it all with your long tongue, " exclaimed the prince, furiousnow. 

The old man, who thought he had done everything for the best, looked athis young master in perplexity. 

"But I only told the truth, your highness. "

"But the truth's not to be spoken at all times. "

"Oh, I did not know that. "

"Stadinger, you have a bad habit of answering back--perhaps you alsotold the princess that Zena had been in the city for several weeks?"

"Yes, your highness, she asked me about my granddaughter, particularly. "

"What's the trouble with Stadinger now?" asked Hartmut, who came out atthis moment, also attired for the day's sport, and who had caught thelast few words. 

"Oh, he's been making a first class fool of himself, that's all, "explained the exasperated prince. The oldest servant of a princely housecould not allow such an insult to pass. 

"I beg your highness's pardon. I have not been making a fool of myselfat all. "

"Perhaps you believe it is I who have been doing it?"

Stadinger looked his young master well over and then replied, discreetly:

"I do not know, your highness--but it might be so. "

"You're an old bear, " cried the prince sharply. 

"The whole forest knows that, your highness. "

"Come on, Hartmut, there's nothing to be gained from this old ghost ofthe woods, " said Egon half angry, half laughing. "First you place me inall sorts of embarrassments, and then you defend yourself by giving me alecture. "

With that he went off with Rojanow to the carriage. Stadinger remainedstanding in a respectful attitude, for he never meant to be rebuked forlack of respect to "his highness. " It never occurred to him to yield aninch of ground; that was for Prince Egon to do, but not for PeterStadinger. 

Egon was almost of this opinion himself. He related what had occurred toHartmut as they drove along, and with a comical despair he concluded:

"Now can you imagine what kind of a reception that most worshipful auntof mine will give me? She evidently suspected that I wanted to keep heraway from Rodeck. Now my morals are saved in her eyes, but at theexpense of my love of truth. Hartmut, you must do me a favor; you mustbe my lightning rod. Expend all your power of fascination upon thatimperious kinswoman of mine. Dedicate a poem to her if necessary, but atleast shield me from the first fierce flashes of her anger. "

"Well, I should have thought you weather-proof in that particular bynow, " said Rojanow smiling. "You must have had cause for forgivenessbefore this for such enormities. The duchess and the other ladies willbe on horseback to-day, will they not?"

"Certainly; they could see nothing from the carriages. By the way, didyou know that Frau von Wallmoden was an accomplished horse woman? I mether day before yesterday returning from a ride with her brother-in-law, the head forester. "

"Ah, then we'll know where to find Prince Adelsberg to-day. "

Egon, who had been leaning back comfortably, sat erect now, and said, ashe gave his friend a searching look:

"Not so spitefully, I beg of you. You are not often in the company ofthe lady in question, I grant that, and you bear yourself as if you wereonly a looker-on at others, but I know you well enough to understandthat you and I are very much of the same opinion concerning her, nevertheless. "

"Well, and if we are--would you consider it a breach of friendship on mypart?"

"Not in this instance. For the object is unattainable by either of us. "

"Unattainable?" an ironical smile played around Rojanow's lips. 

"Yes, Hartmut, " said the young prince, half in earnest, half in jest, "the lovely, cold northern light, as you have named her, remains true toits nature. It gleams on the horizon distant and unapproachable, and theicy sea above which it shines is not to be broken through. The lady hasno heart. She is free from every feeling of passion, and that is whatgives her her enviable security. Here you must acknowledge all yourinfluence, all your boasted powers are frustrated by that icy breath;you are chilled through, and so you keep your distance. "

Hartmut was silent. He was thinking of the moment in the tower room whenhe had begged for the bright blossom. She had refused him, but no icybreath had enveloped the young wife while she stood trembling beneathhis pleading glance and words. He had seen her daily since then, buthad seldom gone near her, but he knew that now, as before, she was underhis influence. 

"But, in spite of it all, I cannot tear myself loose from this foolishfascination, " Egon went on in a dreamy tone. "It always seems to me thatthe ice and snow will disappear as if by magic, and warmth and lightburst out in full bloom in their stead. If Adelheid von Wallmoden werestill free--I believe I'd try the experiment. "

Rojanow, who had been lost in thought as he gazed steadily into the mistwhich yet shrouded the hills, turned around suddenly and violently now. 

"What experiment? Do you mean by that, you'd offer her your hand?"

"That thought seems to excite you greatly, " said the prince, laughingout loud. "Yes, that's precisely what I mean. I have no such prejudiceagainst trade as my respected aunt, who would go into convulsions overthe very thought, and even you don't seem to take to the idea any tookindly. Well, you can both calm yourselves, his excellency her husband, has already secured the prize, and he'll never change her into acreature of warmth and light with those tiresome diplomatic speeches ofhis--but the man is happy; he has had no end of good luck. "

"Call no man happy until his death, " said Hartmut, half-aloud. 

"A very wise remark, only not quite original, " answered Egon. "Do youknow that at times you have a look in your eyes which is positivelyalarming, like a demon. Forgive my saying so, but you looked this momentas if you were one. "

Hartmut did not answer. 

They were just turning from the forest into the broad road, andFürstenstein, with its ducal flag flapping gaily in the morning wind, was plainly visible on its wooded height. 

Half an hour later, their carriage rolled along the broad graveledcarriage-way, where all was life and bustle. Every servant of thehousehold was stirring; carriages and saddle horses were standing readyfor the start, and nearly all those invited to join the hunt hadarrived. 

As the gay throng started on their way, the sun suddenly burst forththrough the mist, and as it shone down on the glittering cavalcade justleaving the castle, it made a brilliant and impressive picture. 

The duke and duchess rode at the head, closely followed by theirnumerous suite, and then came the many guests. All the younger womenwere on horseback, and the whole party were in full hunting costume. 

Away they rode in the clear sunlight of a bright autumn morning. Overthe hills and meadows and through the woods. Shots were fired on everyside, and the flying deer broke through the thicket and across theclearing, while the whole hunting park resounded with the din of thesport. 

The whole corps of foresters had been summoned by the head forester, whosaw to it that no arrangements were lacking to make the day a success. He felt that this was peculiarly his affair, and that no mishaps of anysort should occur. 

They arrived about midday at Bucheneck, a small hunting lodge belongingto the duke, which lay in the center of the forest, and which couldoffer shelter in case of any unfavorable change in the weather. To-dayno such precaution seemed necessary, as the weather was glorious, onlysomewhat too warm for the season. The sun beat down almost too fiercely, as they took their breakfast in the open air. 

With that exception, everything was a success, and the crowd whichmoved hither and thither over the broad, green meadow, near whichBucheneck lay, were in high spirits. The duke, who had handled hisfowling piece with more than usual skill, was in the best of humors; theduchess chatted gaily with the ladies, and the head forester fairlybeamed with pleasure, for the prince had congratulated him warmly uponhis faculty for doing perfectly all he undertook. Frau von Wallmoden, who kept near the duchess, was the object of much attention; she wasunquestionably the most beautiful woman there; the others needed for themost part rich toilettes and glittering gems to set off their beauty. Here in the clear light of the midday sun, clad in dark riding habits, which permitted neither color nor adornment, many paled who were atother times very attractive in appearance, but Frau von Wallmoden, withher slender figure and erect bearing, which seemed especially suited tothe saddle, her clear skin, large, earnest eyes and wealth of blondehair so simply coiled, was a picture at which to gaze with unmitigatedpleasure. In short, the "northern light, " as she was now commonly calledat court, the prince having whispered the name, was the admired of allbeholders, all the more so when it became known that the cold, statuesque beauty was soon to desert them. 

Frau von Wallmoden had received a letter from her husband yesterday, stating that his diplomatic business was ended, but that affairs inNorth Germany connected with the Stahlberg manufactories would detainhim for some time longer. It was whispered that there were to be manyimportant changes, great improvements were to be introduced, and in allthis Baron von Wallmoden as executor and guardian of the only son, wouldhave a decisive voice. The length of his absence from the South Germanycourt would necessarily be uncertain, so he had asked his governmentfor an extended leave, which had been granted, and had announced allthis to the duke. He had written his wife at the same time, leaving herfree to remain at Fürstenstein, or to join him at once and go with himto her old home to see her brother again; now, after two weeks, if shechose to leave, no "misconstruction" could be placed upon her departure. Adelheid had chosen without hesitation; she had announced to the duchessthat she would leave on the following day. 

Princess Sophie and her sister, together with some of the older ladies, had driven to Bucheneck in carriages, and the Princess Sophie's firstanxiety had been to get hold of her nephew. But so far Prince Egon hadmanaged to avoid her. He had been everywhere but in the neighborhood ofhis deceived aunt, until at last, losing all patience, she ordered agentleman of the Court to bring Prince Adelsberg to her at once. Thisorder was imperative, and Egon did not dare disobey it, but he took theprecaution of having his "lightning rod" with him to get the firstshock. Hartmut was by his side when he presented himself before theprincess. 

"Well, Egon, it's a great privilege to see your face at all to-day, "were the first words. "You are in demand on all sides, it seems. "

"But I am always at the service of my beloved aunt, " Egon declared. Hisamiability was of no use to him on this occasion, however; the princessmeasured him with anything but a conciliatory glance. 

"Whenever your knightly services are not needed in the interest of Frauvon Wallmoden. You will have the opportunity of exhibiting a glitteringexample of chivalry and courage, when her husband comes back. You willlearn to know and appreciate him better then. "

"I appreciate him very highly now, as a man, as a diplomat and as 'hisexcellency. ' Your grace must surely believe that. "

"I believe you absolutely, Egon. Your love of truth is one of theverities upon which I pin my faith, " said the lady, with biting irony. "For that very reason I was pleased to have the opportunity of a littletalk with old Stadinger the other day. He's not so rusty after all, forhis years. "

"Poor fellow, he suffers greatly from weakness of memory, " the princehastened to assure her. "Stadinger forgets nearly everything--don't youknow, Hartmut? What he declares most earnestly one day, is entirelyforgotten on the next. "

"I found, on the contrary, that his memory was very fresh; above all, this faithful old servant of your house is trustworthy, circumspect--"

"And rude, " interrupted Egon, sighing. "You can have no idea of theincivility in which old Peter Stadinger's whole nature is steeped. Hetyrannizes most terribly over Herr Rojanow and myself. I have thoughtseriously of putting him out of the way. "

It is hardly necessary to say he had not thought of anything of thekind. 

Princess Sophie, who was an autocrat, and who dealt most severely withher own servants, was inclined to be very lenient in this instance. 

"You should not think of harming so faithful a creature, " she answered. "A man who has served three generations of your race can be forgiven forslight eccentricities, especially when one thinks of the pleasant lifewhich the two young masters of Rodeck lead him, for we all know they donot court company, but prefer loneliness. "

"Ah, yes, loneliness, " said Egon with feeling. "It is a great changeafter our eventful life in the East, and we enjoy it in full measure. Ioccupy myself principally--"

"With the taming of wild beasts, " interrupted the princess, maliciously. 

"No, with--with--reminiscences of my travels, which I recount toHartmut, while he poetises a little, and composes melancholy odes fromthem. He's writing a little poem now on some reflection he heard yourgrace make. "

The princess turned with a radiant smile to the young poet as sheexclaimed:

"And have you really been able to use any nonsense which I may haveuttered in a poem, Herr Rojanow?"

"Indeed, I have, your grace, and I am very grateful to you for youridea, " replied Hartmut promptly. He had no idea in the world what thetalk was all about, but was ready to second whatever his friend mightsuggest. 

"I am delighted to hear it; I adore poetry, and think it the greatest ofliterary productions. "

"You two will agree perfectly as to that, " said Egon with admiration. Having accomplished his object, he escaped, leaving his friend to enterinto a discussion with the princess, on the relative merits of poets andtheir inspirations. 

The prince once more approached the duchess's little circle, where hewas sure to find Frau von Wallmoden, and where he was far from the soundof his malicious aunt's voice. 

The breakfast was ended, and the day's sport was about to begin inearnest. But since noon the bright, sunny weather had changed; theheavens were overcast, and there was a fear that one of the sudden, heavy storms which were frequent at this season, might come before theday was over. 

The duchess, with some of her friends, had taken their stand upon aheight, from which they thought they could obtain the best view, but thehunters took a sudden turn, and the lookers on were forced to follow. 

It was at this juncture that a slight accident occurred to Frau vonWallmoden; her saddle girth broke, and she would have had a disagreeablefall had she not had the presence of mind to slip at once from hersaddle to the ground. To follow the riders was now an impossibility, forher groom could not have obtained another saddle for her, so she decidedto send the servant over to Bucheneck with the horse, and follow onfoot, at her leisure. 

It was a relief to her that this accident had occurred, it saved her theweary necessity of following the hunt to its close, and permitted her todrop for a time, in this solitude, the mask which she wore before theworld, and which was at times becoming almost too heavy for her tocarry. 

Now that she was alone and unobserved, the cold, proud repose which hadbeen so noticeable since her wedding-day, departed as a shadow, and shewas a creature of another world. 

Her features, which were an heritage from her father, and betokened astrong and determined nature, had become more rigid in the last fewmonths, but over her face lay a new expression, one of pain and anxiety, as if some secret and hitherto unknown spring had been touched; the blueeyes lost their cold, passionate look, deep shadows lay in them, whichtold of strife and anguish, and the blonde head sank low, as under someunsupportable burden. 

And yet Adelheid breathed more freely than she had done for many a day, at the thought that this was the last one at Fürstenstein. To-morrow atthis time, she would be far away, and distance she prayed would save herfrom that dark influence against which she had been battling for weeksin vain, when she would no longer see those eyes whose power shedreaded, or hear the voice which bewitched her. When she had flown fromthe mysterious power which held her, she could conquer and utterlydestroy it. God be praised!

The sound of the hunt grew each moment less distinct, and was finallylost altogether in the distance; but in the wood, near the elevation onwhich she stood, the baroness could hear crunching footsteps which toldher she was no longer alone. She turned to go in an opposite direction, but as she turned, a man's form appeared among the trees, and HartmutRojanow stood before her. 

The meeting was so sudden that Adelheid lost her self-possession. 

She drew back as if seeking protection among the trees beneath which shehad been standing, and stared at him with the eyes of a wounded animalwatching the pursuing hunter. 

Rojanow did not appear to perceive this. He bowed and asked hastily:"Are you alone, baroness? The accident was not serious, then?"

"What accident?"

"I heard you'd been thrown from your horse!"

"What an exaggeration. My saddle girth broke, and as I saw it in time Ijumped to the ground, while the animal stood perfectly still--that wasthe accident. "

"Thank God--I heard something of a plunge, a fall, and as you did notreturn to the hunting field I--"

He stopped suddenly, for Adelheid's glance showed him she did notbelieve his statement; he had probably met the groom and had questionedhim. Now at last her self-possession returned, and she said verycoldly:

"I thank you, Herr Rojanow, but your solicitude was altogetherunnecessary. You should have reflected that the duchess would not haveallowed me to remain unsought in the wood had so serious an accidentoccurred. I sent her word I was on my way to Bucheneck. "

She would have passed by him now, but as he stepped aside, he said in alow voice:

"My dear madame--I have to beg your pardon. "

"My pardon--for what?"

"For the favor for which I plead so hard and injudiciously. I only askedfor a flower. Is my crime then so great that your anger must last forweeks?"

Adelheid remained standing, almost without knowing it. She was againunder the influence of those eyes and that wonderful voice. 

"You are mistaken, Herr Rojanow, " she responded. "I am not angry withyou. "

"No? And yet you assume again that icy tone which is ever yours when Iam near you, and now that you have heard my drama you make no sign ofapproval. You were present when I read it at Fürstenstein. I heard wordsof praise on all sides. Your lips alone were closed. From you I receivedno single word of commendation--will you deny it to me now?"

"I thought we were out for a hunt, to-day, " said Adelheid evasively, "and this is neither the time nor the place to discuss poetry. "

"We have both left the hunt for to-day; it's on its way now toward theRodecker heights. Here is the true forest loneliness. Look at theperfect autumn landscape around us. It speaks to the heart of peace andforgiveness. Look at that placid sheet of water, a those heavystorm-laden clouds against the horizon--to me there is more poetry inthis than in the crowded salons of Fürstenstein. "

The aspect of the landscape had entirely changed since the morninghours, and a dull, gloomy light had taken the place of the bright, clearsunshine, beneath whose gleams the cavalcade had set forth so merrily. 

The endless stretch of forest which lay before them was in its gayestautumn dress, but in the sombre light of the approaching storm, itsbrilliant leaves looked faded and faint. The deep reds and many tintedyellows of the foliage formed a beautiful picture, but these were thecolors of decay and death, and told that the end of their life and bloomwas not far distant. 

Beneath them lay the little lake, dark and motionless, surrounded byhigh grasses and swamp reeds. It looked like another lonely sheet ofwater in the far northland--the Burgsdorf fish pond, and back from thislittle lake stretched a meadow green and marshy, from which, even now, afaint mist was rising, a mist, which as night came down, would changeinto a rain, while the will-o'-the-wisp in its endless sport and motion, would play in and out among the long green rushes, now gleaming, nowdisappearing--thus perfecting that far off picture of long ago. 

The air was oppressive and sultry, and the distant clouds were formingdeeper and darker heights against the horizon. 

Adelheid had not answered Hartmut's question; she stood looking into thedistance with face turned away from the man who was watching her, andyet she felt the dark consuming glance resting on her, as she had feltit so many times during the past few weeks. 

"You are going away to-morrow, my dear baroness!" he began again. "Whoknows when you will return--when I shall see you again. May I not begfor your verdict now, may I not ask whether my words have found favor inAda's eyes?"

Again her name upon his lips, again that soft, veiled, passionate tonewhich she so feared, and which rang in her ear like the voice of anenchanter. She felt there was no escape, no chance for flight, she mustlook the danger in the eye. She turned to her questioner, and her facebetrayed that she had decided to fight out the battle--the battle withherself. 

"Are you interested in my verdict merely because I bear this name?" shesaid coldly and proudly. "It stands at the beginning of your poem, whichby the way was sent me the other day by some mysterious hand, withoutname. "

"And which you read notwithstanding?" he interrupted triumphantly. 

"Yes, and burned. "

"Burned?" The old savage expression came over Hartmut's face, thatintense angered look which had evoked from Egon's lips the expression, "You look like a demon, Hartmut. " The demon of hate and revenge burnedonce again in his breast as he thought of his recent insults from thiswoman's husband, insults which must be resented to the full. And yet heloved the woman before him as only Zalika's son could love, with a wild, consuming passion. But in this moment hate gained the mastery. 

"My poor pages!" he said with unconcealed bitterness. "They, too, suffered in the flame; they were, perhaps, worthy a better fate. "

"Then you should not have sent them to me. I will not and dare notaccept such poems. "

"You dare not, my dear Baroness? It is the homage of a poet which helays at a woman's feet, and poets have had that right for all time. Itis incumbent on you to accept such an offering. "

The words were spoken in such a hot, passionate whisper that Adelheidtrembled. 

"Perhaps you pay homage to the women of your country in such words. German woman do not understand them. "

"But you understand them, " said Hartmut fiercely, "and you understandthe fire and passion of my 'Arivana, ' which rises above all laws andrestrictions of this narrow, human life. I saw that on the evening whenyou turned your back on me, while the rest of the world applauded andcame forward with their congratulations. Do not deceive yourself, Ada. When the god-like spark enters two souls, it bursts into flame whetherthey be of the south or the cold north, and that spark has ignited andburns in us both. All strength and will dies in its fiery breath, itextinguishes all else, nothing remains but that holy, sacred fire whichillumines and blesses, even while it consumes. You love me, Ada, I knowit; do not try to deceive me, and I love you beyond all power ofspeech. "

He stood before her in the triumph of victory. Never before had his darkbeauty shone forth so strongly, never before had his eyes glowed withsuch intensity, or his face expressed such passion and longing. 

And he had spoken the truth. 

The woman who leaned against the tree, trembling and deadly pale, lovedhim; loved him as only a pure, exalted nature can love. This cold, haughty woman, whom the world had named heartless, was swayed and tornby this, the first love of her young life. 

She felt within her a passion to which she could no longer blindherself; the fiery breath, with all its fierceness, was blowing downupon her. Now came the crucial-test. 

"Leave me at once, Herr Rojanow--this instant, " she said. The words hada choked, scarcely audible sound, and they were spoken to a man who wasnot accustomed to yield when he felt himself the victor. He would havegone closer to her--but something in the young wife's eye, in spite ofall, kept him within bounds. But he spoke her name again, and in a tonewhose power he best knew:

"Ada!"

She shuddered, and made a protesting motion. 

"Not that name. For you I am only Adelheid von Wallmoden. I am married;you know that. "

"Yes, married to a man who is standing on the threshold of old age; whodoes not love you, and for whom you could feel no love even if he wereyounger. What does that cold, calculating diplomat know of love? TheCourt, his position, his advancement, is all in all to him; his wife isnothing. He exults over the possession of a treasure whom he knows nothow to prize, and to whose happiness and peace he gives not a thought. "

Adelheid's lips trembled. She knew only too well that all he said wastrue. She did not answer. 

"And what binds you to this man?" continued Rojanow, coming closer. "Aword, a single 'yes, ' which you have spoken without knowing itssignificance, without knowing yourself. Shall you permit it to bind youfor your whole life? Shall you allow it to make us both miserable forall time? No, Ada, love, that eternal, undying right of the human heart, must have its own. Men prate of guilt, others of destiny. It is destinywhich is beckoning us to-day, and we must follow after. A feeble wordcannot separate us. "

At this moment a lightning flash parted the heavy, distant clouds, andcast a long, narrow, dazzling light over the great forest, and gleamedacross Hartmut's face and figure where he stood. 

Surely he was his mother's son now. He never looked more like her thanat this moment, with his dark, destroying beauty, and his peculiar, passionate, demoniacal glance. Perhaps it was this glance which broughtAdelheid to her senses, perhaps it was the something concealed behindall the fire and passion. 

"A freely given and freely received word is an oath, " she said, slowly, "and who breaks it breaks his honor. "

Hartmut breathed hard; keen and cruel like a lightning's flash, came amemory to his soul, the memory of that hour in which he had freely givenhis word--and broken it. 

Adelheid von Wallmoden looked straight at Hartmut now; her face waspale, and her voice trembled as she addressed him again:

"I wish you to cease this persecution, which has been going on for weeksnow. You fill me with horror--your eyes, your words, your manner. I feelthat everything which emanates from you is false, and no one can lovethat which is false. "

"Ada. " There was a tone of passionate entreaty in his voice, but hershad gained in steadfastness now, and she continued earnestly:

"And you do not love me. I have seen for some time that your pursuanceof me was from hate, not love. You and your kind have not the capacityfor loving. "

Rojanow was silent from surprise. Who had taught her to read him sonearly aright?

He had not even acknowledged to himself how closely the love and hatewere united in his breast. 

"And you say this to the author of Arivana?" he exclaimed withbitterness. "My drama has been called the ode to love, and--"

"Then those who so named it have been deceived by the flimsy veil oforiental legend in which your figures are enveloped, they have seen theEastern priest with the woman he loves succumb to an iron, inhuman law. Perhaps you are a great poet, perhaps you will astonish the world withyour fame, but to me you are something else, for the passion and fierylanguage of 'Arivana' have taught me something of its creator; of theman who believes in nothing, to whom nothing in the world is holy, neither duty nor pledge, neither manly honor nor womanly virtue; whowould drag the highest in the dust for the sport of his passion. I yetbelieve in duty and honor, believe in myself, and with this belief I biddefiance to the fate which you so triumphantly prophesy will enthrallme. It can drive me to death--but never into your arms. "

She stood opposite him, neither trembling nor irresolute. All her secretstruggles were over, and with each word one more link of the chain wasloosened. 

Her eyes met his, full and free; she feared their dark, baneful glanceno longer--that mysterious power was broken; she felt it and breatheddeeply, like one whose hour of deliverance had come. 

Again there was a flash of lightning, noiseless, not followed by anythunder crash, but it seemed to open the heavens to their very depths. In the palpitating light one could see fantastic cloud pictures, formswhich seemed to struggle and battle with one another as if borne byforce before the storm, and yet the cloud-mountain stood immovable onthe far horizon; and just as immovable stood the man upon whose darkcountenance the lightning flash revealed a deep pallor. 

His eyes had not turned from the young wife's face, but the wild glowwithin them was extinguished, and his voice had a strange sound as hesaid:

"And this is the sentence for which I begged. I am then, in your eyesnothing more than a--reprobate?"

"A lost man, perhaps--you have forced me to this avowal. "

Hartmut stepped slowly back a few steps. 

"Lost, " he repeated in bitter tone. "That is probably what you think. You may be at rest, my dear madam. I will never approach you again; onehas no desire to hear such words a second time. You stand so proud andfirm upon your watch tower of virtue and judge so severely. You have noconception what a wild, desperate life can make of a man who goesthrough the world without home or family. You are right. I believed innothing in the heavens above or on the earth beneath--until this hour. "

There was something in his tone and in his whole bearing which disarmedAdelheid. 

She felt she had no cause to fear a further explosion of passion, andher voice grew milder as she answered:

"I judge no one, but I belong heart and soul to another world, withother laws than yours. I am the daughter of a father whom I dearlyloved, who, all his life long, trod but one path, the earnest, rigidpath of duty. Upon this he raised himself from poverty and privation towealth and honor, and he taught his children to follow in the same way, and it is this thought which has been my shield and protection in thishard hour. I could not endure it if I were compelled to lower my eyesbefore the noble image which my memory holds. Your father is no longeralive?"

There followed a long, oppressive pause. Hartmut did not answer, but hishead sank under the words of whose crushing significance the questionerhad no knowledge, while his eyes seemed to pierce the ground. 

"No, " he said at last, slowly. 

"But you have the memory of him and of your mother?"

"My mother!" Rojanow broke forth wildly now. "Do not speak of her, inthis hour--do not speak to me of my mother. "

It was an alarming cry, a mixture of boundless bitterness, with reproachand despair. In it the mother was sentenced by her son, he felt hermemory was but a desecration of this hour. 

Adelheid did not understand him, she only saw that she had touched on apoint which admitted of no discussion, but she also saw that the man whostood before her with his deep, dark glance, with his tone of despair, was another than he who had stood there a quarter of an hour before. Itwas a dark, fathomless mystery upon which she gazed, but she had nolonger any fear. 

"Let us end this interview, " she said, earnestly. "You will seek nosecond one, I believe that; but one word more before we part. You are apoet. I have felt that in spite of everything, as I have learned to knowyour work. But poets are teachers of mankind, and can lead to good or toill. The wild flame of your 'Arivana' springs from a life which you, yourself, seem to hate. Look yonder, " and she pointed to the distantheavens inflamed now with the lightning's play. "Those are also flamingbrands, but their beginnings are from above and they point out anotherway--and now farewell!"

Long after she had disappeared, Hartmut stood on the same spot as ifrooted to the ground. He had answered no word, made no comment, onlygazed where she had pointed, with fixed, hopeless eyes. 

Flash after flash of lightning was now rending the heavens and the wholelandscape was enveloped in a lurid glare which reflected itself in thatlittle sheet of water so like the Burgsdorf fish pond; the long reedsand grasses swayed and bent above the water and the mist from the meadowrose above it all. 

Under just such long, waving grass the boy had lain long ago and dreamedof the day when he should mount like the falcon from which his race hadtaken their name, always higher and higher into boundless freedom towardthe sun, and now on a similar spot the sentence had fallen upon him likea judgment from heaven, and the will-o'-the-wisp on this lowering autumnnight seemed in its spectral flashes to dance over the grave of falsehopes and falser aspirations. The falcon had not mounted to the skies, the earth had held him fast. He had felt for some time that theintoxicating cup of freedom and of life which his mother's hand hadpoured for him was poisoned; there were for him no cherished memories toguard--he dare not venture to think of his father. 

Darker and darker grew the heavens with their heavy, storm laden clouds, and wilder and fiercer was the struggle between those giant figureswhich were riven at every flash only to come together again with greaterfury, and brighter and more vivid grew that mighty flame as it mountedhigher and higher in the inky firmament. 

CHAPTER X. 

The winter gaieties had fairly begun in the South-German capital, and inthe exclusive court circle the artistic element played a prominent part. The duke, who loved and fostered art, took great pride in beingaccounted its patron, and strove to make his capital an intellectual andartistic centre. The young poet who had been received so favorably bythe court, and whose first great work was soon to be produced at thecourt theatre, was an object of great interest to the little world. Itwas an almost unheard of feat for a Roumanian to write in the Germantongue, even though it was admitted that, in this instance, the writerhad received his education in Germany. Here, as at Rodeck, he was thebosom friend and guest of Prince Adelsberg, and many strange andwonderful stories were related of this friendship. But Hartmut'spersonality, above all else, created for him an enviable position nomatter where he turned. The young, handsome and genial stranger, surrounded as he was with a halo of romance and mystery, had only toappear to have all eyes turned upon him. 

Soon after the return of the court to the city, the rehearsals for"Arivana" began, and its author and Prince Egon had the matter incharge. 

The latter entered so enthusiastically into the spirit of it all, thathe made the lives of the director and theatre attachés miserable withhis many and contradictory suggestions concerning the setting of thedrama, a matter about which, it is unnecessary to add, they were muchmore capable of directing than he. At first they could not get anactress to suit them, but they finally secured the services of a youngand favorite opera-singer named Marietta Volkmar. 

The preparations for the performance, which they had intended originallyto bring out late in the season, were now hurried forward with allspeed, for royal visitors were expected at court, and the duke was mostanxious that this weird and poetical drama with its Indian settingshould be presented before them. Unusual honors to the poet wereprophesied as a result of this spectacle. 

Such was the condition of affairs when Herbert von Wallmoden returned tothe court, and he was, naturally, painfully surprised. 

He had asked his wife casually, while inquiring for others, whether theprince's Roumanian friend had yet left Fürstenstein, and she hadanswered in the negative. He had not expected Hartmut to leave at once, for the latter had declared most positively he would not. But Wallmodenimagined he would think it all well over, and when Prince Adelsberg leftRodeck that would end the whole matter. Under no circumstances wouldRojanow appear by the prince's side at the capital where the ambassadorhad threatened to denounce him at once. 

But Baron von Wallmoden did not understand the unyielding defiance ofthis man, who had indeed dared much. Now, upon his return from thenorth, he found this "adventurer" established on a very sure footing, inclose intercourse with the court and society of the capital. It would bea most embarrassing matter to explain everything at this late day, whenall were on the _qui vive_ of expectation, and when the duke was sodeeply interested both in the new drama and in its author. It would makea very painful impression in all circles. The experienced diplomat didnot disguise from himself the fact that the duke would complain, andwith reason, that all this exposure should have been made on the firstday of the stranger's appearance rather than at this inopportune time. There remained nothing for it but to be silent and await developments. 

Wallmoden had no thought of the danger which had threatened himself. Hehad not seen fit to tell his wife anything concerning his old friendFalkenried's history, and decided now that she had better know nothingmore about Prince Adelsberg's friend than was known by their associates. 

No conversation concerning Hartmut had ever passed between them save theone fleeting question and his wife's monosyllabic answer. 

But he felt he dare keep silence no longer toward his nephew Willibald, for there would be a similar scene to that enacted by the mother atHochberg if the son was surprised by the sight of his boyhood's friend. 

The young heir had accompanied the Wallmodens to the southern capital, where he intended remaining a few days, when he was going on toFürstenstein to see his betrothed, for the head forester had expresslyrequested that the September visit, which was so suddenly interrupted, should be finished later in the season. 

"You were only with us a week, " he wrote to his sister-in-law, "and Idesire to see something more of my future son-in-law. Everything is inorder again, I trust, in your much loved Burgsdorf, and there is littleto do in November at any rate. So send Will to us, even if you cannotcome yourself. I will not take no for an answer. Toni is waiting to seeher lover--so don t fail!"

Frau von Eschenhagen admitted that he was right, and she was glad enoughto have Will go. He had made no further attempt to assert himselfagainst her motherly authority, and appeared to have fully regained hisreason again. He had grown quieter of late and since his return fromFürstenstein rushed with greater zest into all his agriculturalpursuits; he had, take it all in all, behaved in a most exemplarymanner. 

On one point alone he remained obstinate, he would not discuss with hismother the "idiocy" of which he had been guilty and which caused theirsudden journey home, and avoided all reference to the subject. Of coursehis mother understood how it was; he was ashamed of his suddenexcitement, and of a passion which had been only momentary, and wantedto forget it and have her forget it, too, as soon as possible. As forthe rest, he wrote regularly to his bride-elect, who responded mostpunctually. Frau Regine, who considered it her special prerogative, readall this correspondence, and declared herself satisfied with it. Therewas no sentiment, no declaration of affection, in these letters; theywere quite practical epistles, telling of home matters in a homelyfashion, but they evinced Will's intention to keep his word and marryhis cousin on the day appointed, and now near at hand. 

So Willibald was told that he could go and visit his bride; thepermission was granted all the more willingly because Frau Regine knewthat Marietta Volkmar must have returned to the city long since. Baronvon Wallmoden and his wife had paid a flying visit to Burgsdorf on theirway south from the Stahlberg factories, and Willibald was put in theircare and was to spend a few days in the South-German Capital. Duringthose few days in which he would remain in the ambassador's house, hewas perfectly safe, his mother assured herself. 

The baron found that it would be necessary to tell his nephew about hisold friend at once. On the very day of their arrival, Hartmut Rojanow'sname was mentioned several times in Willibald's presence. He askedpromptly to whom the name belonged, and was answered, 'to a youngRoumanian poet. ' An unmistakable wink from his uncle was all that savedhim from further questions. 

Then when they were alone the ambassador explained to Willibald who andwhat this Hartmut Rojanow was. An adventurer of the lowest and worsttype, whom he would soon expose and force to abandon forever the _rôle_which he was now playing with so little right, but with such signalsuccess. 

Poor Willibald shook his head in a dazed sort of way over this news. Hisold friend, for whom he had always had a warm and unchanged affection, notwithstanding the episode of ten years before, was near him now, andhe dare not see him again. 

Wallmoden was especially sharp and explicit about this, and made hisnephew promise to say nothing about the matter to Frau von Wallmoden orhis uncle von Schönau. But poor Willibald could not understand it atall; he needed time and quiet with this as with all other things, tocomprehend them fully. 

The day on which "Arivana" was to be produced, came at last. It was thework of a young and unknown poet, but the circumstances connected withits production were such that society was anxious to judge for itself ofthis work of the duke's latest protégé. The theatre was crowded tooverflowing, and the ducal couple with their suite were early in thecourt boxes. Although no special announcement had been made, the eveningwas evidently looked upon as a festival occasion, and every one wasattired _a la grande toilette_, the ladies vieing with one another inthe richness and brilliancy of their dress. 

Prince Adelsberg, who was in the ducal box, was as much excited as ifhe had written the drama himself. 

His aunt, too, was greatly interested in the success of the evening'sentertainment, and had been looking carefully over the play bill when heentered the box; she called him to her at once. 

"Our young friend seems to have his whims like all other poets, " sheremarked. "What a singular caprice to change the name of his heroine inthe last hour. "

"But that is not the case, " Egon answered. "The change was made longbefore we left Rodeck. Hartmut took it into his head that 'Ada' was toocold and clear-cut a name for the passionate character of his heroine, so he re-baptized her. "

"But the name 'Ada' is here on the programme, " interrupted the princess. 

"Certainly, but it belongs to quite a different person in the drama now, one who only appears in a single scene. "

"Then Herr Rojanow has made his alterations since he read it for us atFürstenstein?"

"Only a few; the play is really quite unchanged with that singleexception. Hartmut has added that scene with Ada in it, and I can assureyour highness it's the most poetical thing he has ever written. "

"Of course, everything your friend writes is wonderful in your eyes, "his aunt answered, but her unusually gracious smiles showed that in thisopinion she did not disagree with him. 

The ambassador and his wife, who had only returned forty-eight hoursbefore, sat in one of the large proscenium boxes. Baron von Wallmodenwas anything but a willing guest of the court to-night, but he knew itwas incumbent on him in his position to accept this evening'sinvitation. The duke had invited the whole diplomatic corps, and as theNorth German ambassador and his wife had dined at the ducal table thatevening no excuse could be offered for declining the laterentertainment. 

Willibald had come too, to see and hear the work of his old-time friend;as his uncle was to be there, surely he had a right also. It did notplease Wallmoden to have him there, but he could not well forbid hisnephew's presence when he himself was present. Will, who had somedifficulty in obtaining a seat in the parquette, unfolded the programmecarelessly, when suddenly his eye caught the name of "Marietta Volkmar, "and knew whom he was to see this evening. He folded the programmehastily and put it in his pocket; he regretted in this moment that hehad come to the theatre at all. 

Finally the performance began. The curtain rose, and the first act, little more than a prelude, was soon over. It was an introduction to thespectators, of that weird, fantastic, legendary world into which theywere to enter, with Arivana, the sacred place of offering, the holy ofholies, in the foreground. 

The principal character in the drama, the young priest, who in thefanaticism of his belief puts everything earthly far from him, asunclean, appeared, and in a few masterly, powerful lines, pronounced hisvow, by which, for him, for time and eternity, all earthly bonds wereloosed, and he was committed heart and soul to the service of his God. The oath was taken, the holy flame blazed and waved on the sacrificialaltar, and the curtain fell. 

The applause, started at once by the duke, resounded on all sides. Thiswork, about which so much had been said, was bound to be a success, in acertain sense, for this one evening at least. But there was somethingmore than idle flattery in this applause. The spectators felt at oncethat, a true poet had spoken to them; the creation had already had thecommendation of the court, but the public were carried away with itnow. They were charmed by the diction, by the characters, and by thesubject, and when the curtain rose anew, there was a look of silentexpectancy on every face. 

The drama now moved forward in majestic measure upon a scenic backgroundas full of warmth and color as the language and characters of the piece. 

The luxuriant vegetation of India, the fabulous pomp of her temples andher palaces; the men and women with their wild loves and their stillwilder hatred; the rigid laws of their faith; all this was strange andfantastic, but the manner in which these men and women felt and actedwas familiar to every one. They stood under the influence of a powerwhich is the same to-day that it was a thousand years ago; the same inthe tropics and in the colder climes of the north; the power of passionin the heart of man. It was indeed a doctrine of fire, and its burdenwas the inalienable right of passion to sweep away every obstacle, tobreak down every barrier of law and custom, of oath and pledge, whichstood between it and its aim. 

A right which Hartmut Rojanow well understood and illustrated in theexercise of his own unbridled will, which knew no law and no duty, andto which self-gratification was the highest good. 

The awakening of this passion, its mighty growth and final triumph, wasdescribed in words of ravishing eloquence, and depicted in pictureswhich seemed drawn, now from the purest heights of ideality, and nowfrom the depths of the pit. The poet had done wisely to drape hischaracters with the veil of an oriental legend, for under this coveringhe might express sentiments and present scenes, which otherwise wouldscarcely have been forgiven, and he did this now with a boldness whichthrew glowing sparks into the souls of those who heard him, and heldthem enthralled as if by some infernal spell. 

By the close of the second act, the success of Arivana was assured. 

The work was presented with a skill and perfection of acting neversurpassed on any stage. The actors in the two principal _rôles_ playedtheir parts with a fire and perfection which could only have come fromgenuine enthusiasm. The heroine was no longer called Ada. That name wasborne by a being who stood, strange and alone, in this restless world ofsurging passions; one of those half-fabulous creatures with whom theIndian legends people the icy summits of the Himalayas; cold and pure asthe eternal snows which glisten in those lofty regions. She appearedonly in one scene, and at the decisive moment of the drama, where shemoved through the stormy action as if upon spirits' pinions, warning andexhorting, and Egon was quite right when he said that the words whichthe poet put into her mouth were the most beautiful of the whole play. 

Suddenly the pure, white light of heaven breaks through the red glow ofthe drama; the scene is beautiful, but short and swift and fleeting asthe zephyr's breath. The chaste form vanished to the snowy heights ofher distant home, while here below from the river's moonlit shore rosethe song of the Hindoo maiden--Marietta's soft and swelling voice; thecry of warning from above was lost in these sweet seductive tones. Inthe last act came the tragic ending, the judgment upon the guilty pairwho suffer death in the flames. But this death was no atonement, it wasrather a triumph, a glorious apotheosis, and out of the midst of thefire flamed high toward heaven the infernal doctrine of theunconditional right of passion. The curtain fell for the last time, andthe applause, which had increased from act to act, rose now to a perfectstorm. The house shouted for the author and would take no denial. Atlast Hartmut came forward, free from every trace of embarrassment, andbeaming with pride and joy. He bowed his thanks to the public, which hadheld to his lips that night a cup of delight such as he had never beforetasted. They are intoxicating, these first draughts from the goblet offame! In the pride of victory the young poet cast a glance toward theproscenium box whose inmates he had already recognized. 

He did not find what he sought. 

Adelheid had leaned back in her chair and covered her face with an openfan. He saw only the cold, unmoved countenance of the man who had sodeeply insulted him, and who now was the witness of his triumph. 

Wallmoden understood only too well the mute language of those flashingdark eyes; they said to him:

"Dare to despise me now!"

 * * * * *

At an early hour the next morning, Willibald von Eschenhagen entered thegreat city park, which, he had just declared to his uncle, he wouldexplore for himself. This extensive, well-wooded park, which lay beforethe city's very doors, was well worth a visit, but Willibald took scantnotice of its beauties as he hurried on in the keen November morning. Heglanced neither to the right nor to the left, but strode on, strikinginto this path and now into that, frequently re-treading the very groundwhich he had left but a moment before. 

Perhaps this brisk, aimless walk, would silence or stupefy the passionand excitement which were struggling for mastery within him. 

Some of his excitement was due to seeing his old friend again, for hehad been greatly moved at the sight of him. Fourteen long years he hadheard nothing of Hartmut, had been forbidden even to mention his name, and now he stood before him suddenly in all the pride and glory of arising poet's fame, wonderfully changed in appearance and manner, butyet the old Hartmut still, the same with whom he had so often frolickedand never quarreled in by-gone days. Even had he been unprepared, hewould have known his dear old friend at a glance. 

Wallmoden had been greatly disturbed and annoyed at the result of theprevious night's performance. He had scarcely spoken as they drove fromthe theatre, and his wife had been equally taciturn. She explained thatthe heat of the crowded room had given her a headache, and inconsequence retired at once upon reaching home. 

Her example was followed by her husband, who, as he bade his nephewgood-night, said:

"Do not forget our talk, Willibald. Be silent before every one, nomatter who. You'll have to be on your guard, too, for the name ofRojanow will be on every one's lips for the next few days. He's had luckthis time, like all adventurers!"

Willibald made no answer to this, but he felt that something beyondadventurer's luck had come to the author of Arivana. Under othercircumstances he should have looked on this drama as something unheardof, inexplicable, without in the least understanding it, but last nighthe seemed to comprehend it all fully. 

One could love without the consent of parent or guardian; such freedomwas not confined to India alone--it often happened in Germany as well. Apromise given thoughtlessly and blindly could be broken, but what then?Yes, then came the fate which Hartmut had pictured so beautifully, yetso vividly. Will was fully determined to transfer the lesson whichArivana had taught him to Burgsdorf. Surely the punishment invoked bythe furious priestcraft, would be no worse than the vial of Frau vonEschenhagen's wrath. 

The young heir sighed deeply as he thought of the second act of thedrama, where, from the group of Hindoo maidens, the sacrificial figuresteps forth. How lovely she looked in her soft, white, clinginggarments, with the wealth of flowers in her dark curly hair. His eyeshad never left her during the two or three times when she had appearedfor a moment on the stage; then her song sounded forth from the shore ofthe moonlit river, the same clear, sweet voice which had captivated himin the little parlor of Waldhofen, and here again were the same oldunholy feelings against which he had battled so bravely then. 

And the worst of it was that he no longer considered them unholy. 

The energetic walker came for the third time to a little temple whichwas open at one side and within which were seats inviting to rest, and amarble bust in the centre. Willibald stepped in and sat down, less fromnecessity for rest than with the hope he might in this seclusion get hisdisturbed thoughts in order. 

It was about ten o'clock in the morning, and the grounds were almostentirely deserted. 

Only a single pedestrian, a young man elegantly attired, lounged alongslowly, and to the casual observer, purposelessly. 

But he was on the lookout for some one, for he glanced with unconcealedimpatience toward the winding walks which led direct from the city. 

Suddenly he stepped quickly behind one of the pillars which supportedthe little temple, where he could see any one approaching without beingseen himself. 

About five minutes later a young lady walking briskly came along anarrow path which led past the temple. She was of slight, gracefulfigure, wore a dark, fur-trimmed mantle with cap and muff to match, andwas glancing over a roll of manuscript as she stepped quickly forward. 

Suddenly she gave a surprised cry, which had anything but a joyfulsound, as the young man stepped in front of her. 

"Oh, Count Westerburg. "

The man bowed low as he exclaimed:

"What a happy accident! Who would have thought to find Fräulein MariettaVolkmar seeking the fresh air of the park at this hour. "

Marietta stood still and looked the speaker well over from head to foot, before she answered, in a tone of mingled anger and contempt:

"I do not believe it is by accident that you so often and sopersistently cross my path, Herr Count, although I have been veryexplicit as to the annoyance which your attentions cause me. "

"Oh, yes, you have been very cruel to me, " said the count reprovingly, but with unmistakable assurance. "You will not permit me to visit you, despise my gifts of flowers, hardly acknowledge my greetings when youmeet me. What have I done to you? I have ventured to prove my devotionby laying at your feet a little tribute in the form of jewels, but youreturn them with--"

"With the explanation that I decline such insolent advances now andalways, " Marietta interrupted angrily; "that I will have no more of yourbrazen impertinences. You have waylaid me purposely to-day. "

"Good heavens! I am only here to sue for pardon for my boldness, " saidthe count, as he stepped, with apparent submissiveness, directly infront of her in the narrow path. "I know full well how unapproachableyou are, and that no one guards her reputation more jealously than thebeautiful Marietta. "

"My name is Fräulein Volkmar, " cried Marietta angrily. "Save suchfamiliar speeches for those who appreciate them. I do not, and if you donot cease your importunities, I will in future claim protection againstthem. "

"Whose protection?" sneered the count. "Perhaps that of the old womanwith whom you live, and who is forever at your side! It is only when yougo to Professor Marani that she is left at home; you do not regard theold singing master as dangerous. But that is the only time when you arewithout her. "

"Except for a morning walk in the park, of which you are apparentlyaware. Get out of my path, please. I want to go on. "

She attempted to pass him, but the count put out both arms to intercepther. 

"You will at least, give me permission to accompany you, Fräulein? Youcan see for yourself the walks are lonely and deserted, and I'm bound tooffer you my protection. "

The park was indeed deserted; no sign of life in any direction, and thebrave girl was secretly alarmed, but she answered, boldly:

"Do not attempt to follow me a single step. Your protection would be asunendurable as is your presence. How often have I to repeat that?"

"Ah, how angry she can get, " said the count with a malicious laugh. "Ah, I must be repaid for those hard words. I must have a kiss from thoserosy lips which speak so harshly. "

He made a movement to take her in his arms, as the girl drew back, really alarmed now, but in the same moment he lay sprawling upon thesward, a heavy blow, well aimed, having thrown him to the damp ground, where he lay, a most contemptible object!

Marietta turned, more alarmed than ever, in the direction from which theblow had come, and the angry, hot expression on her face was succeededby one of boundless surprise, when she saw who it was that had come toher aid so suddenly, and now stood by her side gazing grimly at theprostrate man whom he had put in this humiliating position with suchevident satisfaction. 

"Herr von Eschenhagen--you?"

Count Westerburg had in the meantime risen with some difficulty, and nowadvanced threateningly toward his new enemy. 

"Sir, what do you mean by this? Who has given you the right--who hasgiven you the right--"

"Stay where you are! Don't advance a step nearer this lady, " interruptedWillibald, placing himself in front of Marietta, "or I'll send youflying under those trees, and you won't get up from the second blow assoon as you did from the first. "

The count, who was neither very large nor very rugged, and who had feltalready the weight of this young giant's fist, measured Willibald for aminute, but that was long enough to convince him that a hand to handscuffle could only result one way. 

"You will give me satisfaction--if you are capable of givingsatisfaction, " he began in a half-suffocated voice. "Probably you don'tknow that you have before you a--"

"A low scoundrel whom it will give me pleasure to discipline, " saidWillibald, composedly. "Remain where you are, if you please, or I shallbe obliged to do it on the spot. My name is Willibald von Eschenhagen ofBurgsdorf, and I am to be found at the residence of the Prussianambassador, if you have anything more to say. I beg you to accept myprotection, Fräulein, and I'll pledge myself that you'll not be insultedagain. "

And then something unheard of, almost past belief, happened. 

Herr von Eschenhagen, without awkwardness or embarrassment, with thegrace of a gentleman of the old school, offered Fräulein Volkmar his armand led her away, without troubling himself farther about the lowscoundrel!

Marietta had accepted his arm, but she spoke no word; as soon as theywere out of hearing she began, with an agitation which was anything butnatural to her: "Herr von Eschenhagen--"

"Yes, Fräulein?"

"I--I am very grateful to you for your protection. But the Count--youhave insulted him deeply--he will challenge you, and you will accept hischallenge?"

"Certainly, with the greatest pleasure, " answered Will, and a smilebroke over his face which proved that such a state of affairs would givehim great gratification. His stupidity and obtuseness had disappeared, he felt he was a hero and deliverer, and was very well satisfied withhimself. Marietta looked up at him in speechless surprise. 

"But it is terrible that all this should happen on my account, " sheremonstrated. "And that it should be you, of all men. "

The last remark did not please the young man. 

"You evidently regret that, Fräulein, " he said rather stiffly. "Butunder such circumstances you cannot always have what you want. I wasnear by, and you were forced to accept my services even though I do notstand very well in your esteem. "

A flush crossed Marietta's face as she remembered the time when she hadpoured the vials of her wrath and contempt over this man who now came toher rescue so bravely. 

"I was thinking of Toni and her father, " she answered softly. "I amaltogether blameless, but if I should be the cause of tearing you fromyour bride--"

"Then Toni would have to accept it as an intervention of Providence, "answered Willibald, upon whom the mention of his betrothed seemed tomake no impression. "One can but lose his life once, and there is no uselooking on the worst side, either. Where shall I take you, Fräulein? ToPark street? I think I heard you lived on that street. "

She shook her head violently. 

"No, no; I cannot walk, I shall call a carriage; there are some overthere. I had meant to go to Professor Marani, to practice a new part, but I cannot sing now. "

Willibald turned his steps in the direction where the carriages werestanding, and they went on in silence until they came near them. Marietta stopped then, and turning to her escort, said anxiously:

"Herr von Eschenhagen, must it be? Can nothing be done?"

"Well, hardly. I knocked the count down, and called him a low scoundrel, and most fellows would regard that as sufficient grounds for a duel. But, don't you worry about it. The whole affair will be over to-morrowor next day, with only a couple of scratches to tell the tale, in allprobability. "

"And I shall have to wait two or three days in anxiety and uncertainty. Cannot you send me some news?"

Will looked down into the dark, tearful eyes, and a light came in hisown such as had gleamed from them on the first day he saw the little"singing bird. "

"When all is happily over, I'll come myself and bring you the news if Imay?"

"Certainly, certainly. But if it should end unfortunately, if you shouldfall?"

"Then hold me in kinder remembrance than you have done hitherto, " saidWillibald, earnestly and cordially. "You took me for a coward. O, don'tsay a word, you were right; I have felt it bitterly enough, but I wasaccustomed always to obey my mother, who I knew loved me devotedly. Butnow you see that I know also how a man should behave when he sees adefenseless girl insulted, and I will avenge that insult--if need bewith my blood. "

Without waiting for an answer, he hailed a driver, assisted Mariettainto the carriage, and repeated to the man the street and number whichshe gave him. She placed her little hand in his for a moment, and gavehim a long look, then, as the carriage rolled away, she threw herselfback on the cushions with a loud sob. Will looked after the carriage aslong as it was in sight, then he threw his shoulders back and said, witha sort of fierce pleasure:

"Now, have a care, Herr Count. It will be a real pleasure for me to havea shot at you. "

CHAPTER XI. 

The short November day was nearly over, and the twilight shadows werelengthening rapidly, when Prince Egon, returning from a short walk, entered his brilliantly lighted palace. 

"Is Herr Rojanow in his rooms?" he asked a footman. 

"Yes, your highness, " the servant answered with a respectful bow. 

"Then order the carriage for nine o'clock, to take us to the castle. "

So saying Egon sprang quickly up the stairs, and hastened to hisfriend's apartments, which were on the first floor, not far from hisown, and which were furnished with all the old-time magnificence of aprincely house. A lamp was burning on the table in Hartmut's littlestudy, and he himself, looking weary and dejected, was lying full lengthupon a couch. 

"He of the laurel wreath is taking his rest, " said the prince, laughing, as he entered the room and came quickly forward to his friend. "I can'tfind fault with you this time, for you haven't had a minute's restto-day. There's something exciting in being the rising star in thepoet's heaven, but it's hard on the nerves, I must admit. People arevieing with one another to do you honor. You certainly had anoverwhelming reception to-day. "

"Yes, and we must go to the court to-night, " Hartmut answered in atired, indifferent tone; evidently the prospect was not an enliveningone. 

"We must, indeed. The high and mighty desire to do homage to the hero ofthe hour, my dear aunt at the head of them. You must know that shethinks she's the embodiment of soulfulness and poesy herself, and thatshe has discovered a responsive spirit in you Praise the Lord! She'llleave me alone for a while, and if she gets very deep in her illusions, she'll forget ail about the marriage plan, for the time at least; butyou seem to be very indifferent to the ducal favor which, by the way, isquite pronounced. You hardly speak. Are you ill?"

"I'm tired. I wish I could escape from all the noise, and go to Rodeck. "

"To Rodeck? That would be a fine place in the November mists and thedamp, leafless forests. Ugh, it gives me the horrors. "

"All the same, I have a great longing for the dreary loneliness, and I'mgoing there, too, after a few days; that is, if you have no objection. "

"Well, I have very serious objections, " retorted Egon crossly. "Inheaven's name what's the matter with you anyway? Now when the whole cityis wild over the author of 'Arivana' and your presence is demandedeverywhere, you want to run away from all the glory and triumph, andhide yourself in a little, dark hole which is only bearable inmidsummer. Such an idea is unheard of. "

"For my own sake--I need quiet and rest--I will go to Rodeck. "

The young prince shook his head. He was accustomed to have his friend doas he pleased without much heed to his remonstrances, and he knew nomeans by which he could combat this new whim; but it did appear to him avery unaccountable one. 

"I believe my highly esteemed aunt knows what she's talking aboutsometimes, " he said, between a joke and a reproof. "She said to me lastnight, in the theatre, 'Our friend has caprices like other poets. ' Iagree with her. What has come over you, Hartmut? Yesterday and to-dayyou were fairly beaming with triumph and joy, and now I have scarcelyleft you for an hour and return to find you in the depths of melancholy. Have you seen anything in the papers which has annoyed you? Somethingfrom the pen of a malicious, spiteful critic, I'll be bound. "

He turned toward the writing-table, where the evening papers lay. 

"No, no, " Rojanow said, hastily, but he turned his face sidewise, sothat it lay in the shadow. "All the papers mention 'Arivana, ' and eachstrives to outdo his neighbor in writing complimentary things about me. You know I am of an uncertain temper, and am often cast down, withoutbeing able to give reason for my depression. "

"Yes, but now when you are overwhelmed with praise, fairly extolled tothe skies, such depression should be far from you. You really seemexhausted. That comes from the excitement we both have undergone duringthe past few weeks. "

He bent anxiously over his friend, who stretched out his hand to him asif to atone for this sudden change. 

"Forgive me, Egon. You must have patience with me--I'll be myself againin a little while. "

"I sincerely hope so. My poet has much honor awaiting him, evento-night. I'll leave you now. Try and rest, and don't let any one elsedisturb you. You have three good hours before we need start. "

The prince went. He had not seen the bitter smile on his friend's facewhen he referred to his triumphs and good fortune; and yet the princehad spoken the truth. Fame was good fortune and happiness, perhaps thehighest in life, and Hartmut was willing to acknowledge that it was so, until an hour ago, when a bitter drop had mingled in his cup. 

When the young man had entered his room an hour before, he had glancedhastily over the evening papers. A review of his work was to be found ineach, and he read with interest the impressions which the drama hadmade: of its strength, and depth, and power, and how skillfully theyoung and talented Roumanian, Hartmut Rojanow, had outlined andelaborated his characters. 

Then, as he turned the sheet, another name met his gaze, a name which, for the moment, deadened his very senses. 

The article which caught his eye stated that the recent journey of thePrussian Ambassador to Berlin, had been on a matter of greatsignificance. Herr von Wallmoden had had an audience of the dukeimmediately on his return, and they had discussed matters of the gravestimportance, and now a high Prussian officer was expected, who was thebearer of certain special dispatches to the duke. It was evident thatsome weighty military affair was under discussion, and Colonel Hartmutvon Falkenried would be in the city in a few days. 

Hartmut let the paper drop from his hands; his whole body seemed to turnto ice. His father to be here in a day or two! Herr von Wallmoden wouldof course tell him all. The possibility of meeting him now seemed toresolve itself into a certainty. 

"When you have made a great, proud name and future for yourself then youcan stand before him and ask him whether he despises you or not, " Zalikahad said to her son on that memorable night when he had protestedagainst breaking his word to his father. Now the first step toward thisbrilliant future had been taken. 

Hartmut Rojanow already wore the laurel wreath, and that was enough, surely, to obliterate the past. It should and must be enough; and it wasthis thought which blazed from Hartmut's eyes as he looked toward theambassador's box last night. 

But could he look thus into his father's eyes? Despite all his defiancehe feared those eyes, and them alone, in all the world. 

He had partly decided to go to Rodeck, and then he picked up the paperagain to see if any date was named for the distinguished officer'sarrival. He felt within him a something--a secret and burning longing. Perhaps now when his great triumph was but just begun, the hour forreconciliation had come; perhaps, when Falkenried saw what the freedomand life for which his son had craved so long ago, had developed, hewould forgive the boy for the sake of the man. He was his child still, his only son, whom he had clasped to his arms with such passionatetenderness on that last evening at Burgsdorf. 

This memory brought with it a mighty longing in Hartmut's soul for thosearms, for a home, for all that he had lost since those boyhood's days, which, despite their severity, had been so innocent, so peaceful, sohappy. 

The door opened, and a servant entered and extended a card on a salver. Rojanow made an impatient movement to take it away. 

"Didn't I tell you I wouldn't see any one else to-day?"

"I told the gentleman that, " explained the servant, "but he said he'dlike Herr Rojanow to hear his name, anyway--Willibald von Eschenhagen. "

Hartmut rose suddenly from his reclining position; he did not believe hehad heard aright. 

"What name, did you say?"

"Von Eschenhagen--here is the card. "

"Ah--show him up. Hurry!"

The servant left the room, and a minute later Willibald entered, butremained standing, uncertain and hesitating, near the door. Hartmut hadsprung up and was staring at him. Yes, these were the same old features, the dear face, the honest blue eyes of his youth's friend, and with apassionate cry of:

"Will! My own dear Will! Is it really you? You have come to me!" hethrew his arms stormingly around his friend's neck. 

The young heir, who little understood how his appearance just at themoment when old memories were welling up in Hartmut's brain, had movedhis friend, was almost overcome by this reception. He remembered thatHartmut had always been his superior, intellectually, and how many timeshe had been made to feel this. He had thought that the author of"Arivana" would have grown even more imperious and self-assertive, andnow he was given this tender and overwhelming reception. 

"Are you then so rejoiced to see me, Hartmut?" he asked, somewhattimorously. "I almost feared it would not be right for me to come. "

"Not right, when I have not seen you for ten long years?" cried Hartmut, reprovingly. And then he drew his friend toward him and began to askquestions and chatter away with such genuine heartiness, that Will soonlost his shyness and could speak as of old to him. 

He explained that he had only been three days in town, and was on hisway to Fürstenstein. 

"Yes, and you're to be married soon. I heard of your betrothal atRodeck, and I have seen Fräulein von Schönau once. I wish you greathappiness, old fellow. "

Willibald took the wish for his happiness with characteristic coolness. He sat and gazed on the floor, and said in a low tone:

"Yes--my mother chose a wife for me. "

"I can well believe that, " said Hartmut laughing. "But you at least gaveyour 'yes' willingly. "

Willibald did not answer, but seemed to be studying the pattern of thecarpet intently; suddenly he asked abruptly:

"Hartmut--how do you go to work to write poetry anyhow?"

Hartmut repressed a smile with difficulty. "That is not easy to explain. I really fear I cannot answer you intelligibly. "

"Yes, writing poetry is a curious thing, " sighed Willibald with a sadshake of the head. "I tried it myself after I came out of the theatrelast night. "

"What! You've taken to poetry?"

"Haven't I, though, " said Will with a lofty self-consciousness. "But, "he added dejectedly, "I can't make it rhyme, and it hasn't the samesound as your verses. I have it in my head, but I don't suppose I haveit just right. How did you begin yours? The commencement is thestumbling block. It's nothing very great or romantic, like 'Arivana. '"

"Addressed to her of course?" hazarded Hartmut. 

"Yes, to her, " Willibald admitted with a deep sigh; and now his listenerlaughed out loud and clear. 

"Well, you are a model son, one must concede that. It's not unusual fora man to be engaged in response to a father's or mother's wishes, butyour sense of duty is so strong that you fall in love with the girl andeven go so far as to write verses in her praise. "

"But they are not to her, " cried Willibald suddenly, and with sosorrowful a face that Hartmut gazed at him dumbfounded. He believed thathis friend was out of his mind, and Willibald's next statement quiteoverpowered him, without weakening this suspicion. 

"I had a quarrel early this morning with an insolent fellow whoattempted to insult a lady, Fräulein Marietta Volkmar of the Courttheatre of this city. I struck him to the ground and I'd do it again ifI had an opportunity;--him, or any one else who came near FräuleinVolkmar. "

He had grown so excited, and rose, as he spoke, with such a threateningair, that Hartmut seized him by the arm and held him fast. 

"Well, I've no intention of going near her, so you needn't shake yourfist at me, old boy. But what have you to do with the opera singer, Marietta Volkmar, who has always posed as a very mirror of virtue?"

"Hartmut, have a care. You must speak respectfully of this lady to me. To make a long story short, this Count Westerburg has challenged me, andwe're going to have a shot at one another, and I sincerely hope I'llleave him with a remembrance he won't soon forget. "

"Well, you're making very fair progress in your romance, I must say, "Hartmut answered with growing astonishment. "You've been in town twodays, have had a quarrel with a stranger, who has demanded satisfaction, are the knight and protector of a young singer on whose account you aregoing to fight a duel. For God's sake, Will, what'll your mother say?"

"As it concerns an affair of honor, my mother will have no right to sayanything, " Willibald declared with true heroism. "But I will have tofind a second here, where I am a stranger and know no one. Of courseuncle Wallmoden knows nothing of the matter, or he would have the policeinterfere at once, so I resolved to come and ask you whether you wouldperform that service for me?"

"Ah, that's why you came?" said Hartmut in a pained voice. "I thoughtfor the moment it was the old friendship which had brought you. But, allthe same, I am at your service. With what weapons do you fight?"

"With pistols. "

"That's an advantage for you. When we used to shoot at a target atBurgsdorf, you were a fine shot. I'll see the Count's second the firstthing in the morning, and let you know of the arrangements at once; butI must write to you, for I won't enter Herr von Wallmoden's house. "

Willibald only nodded. He had thought that his uncle's enmity would bereturned in full by Rojanow, so considered it better to say nothing onthe subject. 

"Yes, write me, " he answered. "You make what arrangements you deem fit. I have no experience in such matters, and leave it all to you. Here isthe second's address. Now I must go. I have much to do yet--I mustprepare for the worst. "

He rose and held out his hand to his friend, but Hartmut did not see it. He sat with eyes fastened on the ground, as he said in a low, stifledtone:

"Wait a minute, Will--Burgsdorf is not far from Berlin--do you oftensee--"

"Who?" asked Will. 

"My--my father. "

The young heir was evidently embarrassed by the question; he had avoidedthe name of Falkenried all through the conversation, and he did not knowthat the father was expected in the city. 

"No, " he answered finally, "We don't see the Colonel at all. "

"But he comes to Burgsdorf sometimes, does he not?"

"No--he keeps to himself, but I saw him by chance the other day withuncle Wallmoden in Berlin. "

"And how does he look? Is he much changed in these last years?"

Willibald shrugged his shoulders: "He has certainly grown old. You wouldhardly recognize him with his white hair. "

"White hair!" exclaimed Hartmut. "He is scarcely fifty-two yearsold--has he been ill?"

"No--not that I know. His gray hair came suddenly in a few months whenhe demanded that his resignation be accepted. "

Hartmut grew pale and stared at the speaker with anxious eyes. 

"My father wished to leave the army, he, heart and soul a soldier, devoted to his profession--in what year did that happen?"

"They would not accept it, " said Will, evasively. "They sent him to adistant garrison instead, and for the last three years he has beenminister of war. "

"But he wanted to go--in what year was it?" Hartmut asked in adetermined voice now. 

"It was when you disappeared. He believed his honor demanded it. Youshould not have treated your father so, Hartmut; it nearly killed him. "

Hartmut gave no answer, made no attempt to vindicate himself, but hebreathed heavily. 

"We'd better not talk about it, " said Will, turning to go. "Nothing canbe undone now, I'll expect your letter in the morning, and you'llarrange everything. Good-night. "

Hartmut did not seem to hear his friend's words nor notice hisdeparture; he stood and stared on the ground. A few minutes afterWillibald had left the room he threw his head back, and passed his handover his eyes. 

"He would have resigned, " he muttered, "resigned, because he believedhis honor demanded it--no, no, I cannot see him, not now--I shall go toRodeck. "

The gifted poet, who had stood proud and triumphant before the wholeworld and received the laurel wreath of fame, dared not meet hisfather's eye--rather face loneliness and desolation. 

 * * * * *

Marietta Volkmar lived with an old kinswoman of her grandfather in amodest little house surrounded by a tiny garden, in one of thoserestful, retired streets which are fast disappearing from our largecities. 

The two women, old and young, lived a quiet, uneventful life, whichpermitted no breath of gossip concerning the young singer; they wereobjects of interest and affection to the other inmates of the house, andMarietta's clear voice was a welcome sound and her bright young face acheering sight, to the few who had apartments under the same roof. 

For the past two days the "singing bird" had been dumb, and whosoevercaught sight of her face, saw pale, tear-stained cheeks and swolleneyes. The people of the house could not explain it, and shook theirheads over it until old Fräulein Berger said that Dr. Volkmar was ill, and his grandchild could not obtain permission just now to go to him. All this was true enough for the good doctor was suffering from a severecold. 

But it was no sufficient reason for Marietta's despondency, which hadcaused much comment among her fellow-workers at the theatre. 

She stood at the window of the comfortable little living-room, havingjust returned from rehearsal, and looked out drearily into the quietstreet. Fräulein Berger was stitching industriously by the little centretable, and looked up now at the young girl with a grave shake of thehead. 

"Child, why do you take the thing so hard?" she said, almost sharply. "You'll wear yourself out with all this anxiety and excitement. What'sthe sense of looking on the worst side?"

Marietta turned toward the speaker; she was very pale and there was asob in her voice, as she replied:

"This is the third day and I can learn nothing. O, it is terrible, thiswaiting hour after hour for bad news. "

"But why need it be bad?" remonstrated the old lady. "Yesterdayafternoon Herr von Eschenhagen, was well and happy. I went out myself atyour desire and found he was out driving with Herr and Frau vonWallmoden. Perhaps the matter has been settled amicably. "

"Then I'd have had news before now, " the girl answered, hopelessly. "Hepromised me and he'd keep his word, I know it. If anything has happened, if he has fallen--I believe I can't live through it. "

The last words sounded forth so passionately that Fräulein Bergerglanced at the speaker frightened. 

"Marietta, that sounds very unreasonable, " she said. "It wasn't yourfault that you were insulted, neither would you be to blame if yourfriend Toni's fiancé was shot. You couldn't really be more despairing ifit was your own lover who was to fight. "

A deep flush overspread the pale features of the girl for a moment, andshe turned again toward the window. 

"You do not understand, auntie, " she replied in a low tone. "You do notknow how much happiness I have had in the head forester's house, howhumbly Toni begged my pardon for the insults her future mother-in-lawheaped upon me. What will she think of me when she hears that her loverhas had a duel on my account? What will Frau von Eschenhagen say?"

"Well, they can be easily convinced that you are blameless in the wholeaffair, and if it ends well, they need know nothing about it. I hardlyknow you, child, the last few days. You, who always laughed every careand anxiety away, to sit and mope and grieve. It's incomprehensible tome. You have hardly eaten or drunk a thing for two days, and wouldn'tsit down to your breakfast this morning. But you must eat some dinner, and I must go and see to it at once. "

With this the old lady rose and left the room. She was right, poorMarietta seemed indeed a changed girl. It was without doubt a painful, depressing feeling, that blame would undoubtedly rest upon her; herfriends at Fürstenstein perhaps might never be made to understand thereal state of the case, how innocent she was of any intention to wrongor even annoy them; her reputation, too, of which she had been soguarded; would not every paper be teeming with this "affair of honor, "if either combatant were killed?

"If need be with my blood, " these had been Willibald's last words to herand they rang in her ears. "O, God be merciful. Not that! not that!"

Suddenly a tall, manly figure turned the corner and came forward hastilythrough the little street, evidently in search of some special number, and as Marietta looked down she gave a cry of delight, for sherecognized Herr von Eschenhagen. 

She did not wait for the bell to be answered, but rushed out impetuouslyto open the door herself. 

Her eyes were wet with tears, but her voice sounded clear and jubilant:

"You have come at last--God be praised!"

"Yes, here I am, safe and sound, " Willibald replied, while his wholeface glowed at this reception. 

How they got back to the little sitting-room neither of them ever knew, but he had drawn her arm through his and led her in, while she feastedher eyes on his flushed, happy face. But now she noticed that his rightwrist was bandaged. 

"You have been hurt?" she said, in an anxious whisper. 

"Only a scratch, not worth talking about, " Willibald answered, withgreat cheerfulness of spirit. "I gave the count something worthremembering, though--a fine shot through his shoulder--nothingdangerous, but slow to heal, so that he'll have plenty of time forreflection. It's very satisfactory, very!"

"Then it's all over? I knew it. "

"Yes, we met this morning at eight o'clock. But there's nothing to beanxious about now, Fräulein. It's all well over. "

The young singer gave a deep sigh, as she said: "I thank you, Herr vonEschenhagen, I thank you from my heart. You have risked your life on myaccount, and I cannot be too grateful. "

"There is no occasion for gratitude, Fräulein, but as I have faced apistol on your account, you must, at least accept a little memento ofthe occasion. You must not trample this peace offering under your feet. "

As he spoke he unwrapped--somewhat awkwardly, for he had only his lefthand--a full blown rose and two buds from its cover of tissue paper. 

Marietta's eyes sank and a flush of shame o'erspread her features as shetook the flowers, without speaking, and pinned them on her breast; thenshe reached out her hand, as if begging for forgiveness; it was graspedat once. 

"You are accustomed to receive gifts of flowers, " he said almostapologetically. "I hear from all sides how much homage is paid you. "

The young girl smiled, but smiled more sadly than joyfully. 

"You have seen what manner of homage is done me at times, " she said. "Count Westerburg is not the first against whom I have had to contend. So many men consider it perfectly legitimate to attempt liberties withany one who appears on the stage, and sometimes even those with whom oneassociates are not--believe me, Herr von Eschenhagen, my lot is notalways an enviable one. "

Willibald appeared surprised. 

"Not an enviable one? Why, I thought you loved your profession, heartand soul, and that nothing could induce you to leave it. "

"Certainly, I love it; but I am realizing each day, more and more, withhow much that is hard and bitter I have to contend. My teacher, Professor Marani, says 'one must mount with the wings of an eagle, thenhe leaves all the dross far beneath him. ' I think he is right, but I amnot an eagle, I am only what my dear grandfather has often called me, 'asinging bird, ' with nothing but my voice, and no strength to mount todizzy heights. The critics have said before now that my acting lackedfire and strength, and I feel myself that I have little dramatic talent. I can only sing, and I'd much rather do that at home in our own greenwoods, than here in a golden cage. "

The girl's voice had a worn, discouraged ring, very unusual in one sofull of vivacity. The recent occurrence had brought her unprotectedposition before her most forcibly, and unconsciously she opened herheart to the man who had shielded her so bravely. He listened inastonishment to her sad words, but instead of showing any pity, his faceand eyes fairly beamed with happiness and joy at her sad admission. Heasked abruptly, almost roughly:

"You long to get away from here? You will leave the stage?"

Despite her troubles, Marietta laughed out at this question. 

"No, indeed, I have no such thought. What would I turn to then? My deargrandfather has scraped and saved for years in order that I mightreceive a musical education, and it would be but a poor return for me togo back to him now, a burden for his few remaining years. He shall neverknow that his 'singing bird' longs for her woodland nest, or that shehas hardships and insults to encounter here. I have more courage thanthat. I mean to fight it out, no matter how heavy the odds. So do notlet them hear anything about my murmurings at Fürstenstein. How soon areyou going there?"

A shadow fell across the young heir's happy face, and his eyes sank tothe floor. 

"I am going at two this afternoon, " he answered in a strange, depressedtone. 

"O, then grant me one favor. Tell Toni everything--everything--you hear?She has cause to blame us both. I shall write to her to-day, at once, and tell her about this unfortunate affair, and you will explain justhow it happened, too, will you not?"

Willibald raised his eyes slowly from the ground and looked at thespeaker. 

"You are right, Fräulein, Toni must hear all, the whole truth. I haddecided on that before I came here--but it will be a trying hour forme. "

"Oh, no indeed, it will not, " Marietta said hastily. "Toni is good andfull of confidence; she will know that what we tell her is the exacttruth, and that we were both quite guiltless in the matter. "

"But I am not guiltless, at least toward Toni, " said Willibald veryearnestly. "Do not look so frightened, you would hear all later, so itis, perhaps, as well to hear it from my lips. I am going to Fürstensteinto ask Toni"--he hesitated and sighed deeply--"to give me back myfreedom. "

"Heaven help us! and why?" cried the young maiden, seriously alarmed atthis declaration. 

"Why? Because, feeling as I do, knowing that Toni has no place in myheart, it would be wrong to lead her to the altar. Because I know nowwhat is the one thing needful to make a happy marriage, because, " hestopped and looked at Marietta so steadily and so expressively that shecould not fail to understand him. Her face flushed painfully; she drewback and made a hasty motion as if to prevent further speech. 

"Herr von Eschenhagen, tell me no more. "

"I cannot help it, " Willibald continued, almost defiantly. "I fought itover and over in my own mind when I was alone at Burgsdorf, and honestlytried to keep my word. I thought it might be possible; then I came hereand saw you again--the other evening in 'Arivana'--and then I realizedthat all my struggling had been in vain. I had not forgotten you, Fräulein Marietta, no, not for an hour, even while I was trying topersuade myself you must be forgotten, and I should not have forgottenyou my whole life long. I will tell Toni all this frankly, and mymother, too, when I see her again. "

It was all out at last. The man who could not stand alone atFürstenstein, and for whom his mother had done all the talking andplanning, spoke now, warmly and earnestly, from his very heart, as onlya man can speak in such an hour. He had learned what liberty meant whenhis affections were aroused, and with this knowledge he had forever castaside the dependence of habit and indifference. 

He crossed the room to Marietta, who had gone back to the window. 

"And now one question. You were very pale when you opened the door forme, and had been crying. Of course this affair was very painful to you. I can understand that, but--but were you the least bit anxious--on myaccount?"

He received no answer. There was only a low, stifled sob. 

"Were you anxious about me? Only a little 'yes;' you cannot know, Marietta, how happy it will make me. "

He bent over the maiden whose head had sunk so low, but he could not seethe gleam of happiness which lighted up her face as she said softly: "Ihave been so anxious that life has hardly been endurable the past twodays. "

Willibald gave a laugh of exultation, and tried to draw her into hisarms; she gave him one long look, and then released herself. 

"No, no, not now. Go--I beg you. "

He stepped back at once. 

"You are right, Marietta. Not now; but when I am free, I shall come toyou and beg for another 'yes. ' Good-bye. God bless you!"

He was gone in an instant, before Marietta could collect her thoughts;and now the voice of her old kinswoman, who had entered the room amoment before, unperceived by its occupants, recalled her to herself. 

"My child, what is this, what does it mean? Have you both forgotten--"

The excited girl did not let her finish; she flung her arms around herneck, and cried out, passionately:

"Ah, now I know why I was so angry when he allowed his mother to insultme and did not take my part. It grieved me so to think he was weak andcowardly, for I have loved him from the very first. "

CHAPTER XII. 

Extensive preparations for the approaching social season were being madeat the house of the Prussian ambassador. Wallmoden had entered upon theduties of his present official position early in the past spring, buthis father-in-law's death following immediately after, and the summercoming on, he had as yet done nothing to discharge the socialobligations incumbent upon him as the representative of a greatgovernment. The magnificent house which he had taken was furnished withgreat splendor. His marriage to an heiress made many pleasant thingspossible to him now, and his great desire was to make his residence oneof mark in the southern capital. The following week he was to give hisfirst reception, and in the meantime, numerous visits had to be made. 

The ambassador was busily engaged, also, in attending to certainofficial matters of more than usual importance. With all his other careshe was secretly annoyed at the result of the production of "Arivana. " Ifhe had had any thought before of openly denouncing Hartmut Rojanow, suchdenunciation was now almost impossible. 

This adventurer had been so praised and so lauded and admired for hispoetical genius and talents, that just at present it was a matter ofdoubt whether any statement which Wallmoden could make would have mucheffect on the society and the court where the newly risen star was thehero of the hour. Hartmut had risked much against Wallmoden'sthreats--and won. The one thing which completed the ambassador'sdiscomfiture, and made his position extremely painful, was the coming ofFalkenried. It would be impossible to conceal his son's whereabouts anddoings from the father, and Wallmoden dare not let him learn them fromstrangers. When they had met in Berlin, for a brief hour, neither knewof the journey to the South which the Colonel would have to take almostimmediately. He was to be the guest of his old friend, for he also knewAdelheid very well; she and her brother had grown up under his eyes. 

When Major Falkenried had taken command of a distant garrison ten yearsbefore, the little city where he was stationed had been very near theprincipal Stahlberg factories. The new major's reputation had precededhim; he was said to be a valiant soldier, devoted to the service, who, when not on duty, gave all his time to the study of military tactics anddiscipline, but who held all mankind, soldiers excepted, in abhorrence. He had a house and lived among men, but for the rest, he turned his backupon society and every one connected with it. 

But the head of the house of Stahlberg took little heed of the gossip orof the major's attitude toward his fellow-men, and approached himwithout hesitation. The bitter, disappointed man, who shunned all theworld, could not fail to admire in the manufacturer much that was akinto his own nature, and while their acquaintance never ripened intofriendship, Falkenried understood and appreciated Stahlberg's ruggedcharacter, and in the years in which they lived near one another theStahlberg house was the only one which he ever entered willingly. So hegrew to know the children of the house intimately, and kept up hisintercourse with the family after his return to Berlin. When Wallmodenmarried he felt that both he and Adelheid had been hardly treated by theColonel, when the latter sent some plausible excuse for not attendingthe wedding. Adelheid knew little or nothing of the Colonel's fatefulhistory. She supposed him to be childless, and had only recently learnedfrom her husband that he had married very young, been divorced from hiswife for many years, and was now a widower. 

Eight days after the return of the Wallmodens, as Adelheid was sittingat her writing table late one afternoon, Colonel Falkenried wasannounced. She rose at once, threw down her pen and hastened to greether old friend. 

"How glad I am to see you, dear Colonel. We received your telegram, andHerbert was just about to start to the station to meet you himself, whenhe received a summons from the duke and had to go at once to the castle, so we could only send the carriage for you. " Her greeting was warm andcordial, such as an old friend of her father might have expected, butFalkenried, while not exactly distant, was certainly not hearty. He tookthe extended hand, but his manner was cold and earnest, and he saidindifferently, as he took the chair offered him: "Well, we can talk toone another until his return. "

The colonel had changed, changed so greatly as to be past recognition. Were it not for the tall and erect bearing he would be taken for an oldman. The hair of this man in his fifty-second year was snow white, hisforehead was deeply ploughed with furrows, and the deep lines in hisface told of sorrow beyond all hope of cure. The countenance, which hadonce been so full of expression, had a staring, uncomfortable look now, and his manner bespoke a reserve and repression which could not bepenetrated. Regine's expression, "The man seems turned to stone, " wasonly too true. 

One could not help forming the impression that the good or ill of hisfellow creatures were both matters of supreme indifference to him; helived only in the fulfillment of the duties of his profession. 

"I have disturbed you, Ada, " he said, using the old name which he hadalways heard in her father's house, as he threw a glance at thehalf-finished letter on the writing table. 

"Oh, there's plenty of time, " his hostess answered carelessly. "I wasonly writing to Eugen. "

"Ah, yes; I saw him day before yesterday, and he sent his love to you. "

"I knew he would go to Berlin on purpose to see you. He has not seen youfor over two years, and neither have I, except for the moment, as wepassed through Berlin. We did hope you would come out to Burgsdorf whilewe were there, and Regine felt sorely vexed that you did not accept herinvitation. "

The colonel looked at her gloomily. He knew, too well, the bittermemories associated with the place. He had only been there a couple oftimes since his return to Berlin. 

"Regine understands how much my time is occupied, " he answeredevasively. "But to return to your brother, I want to speak to you aboutsomething, Ada, and I am not sorry we are alone. What is the matterbetween Eugen and his brother-in-law? What has happened?"

A shade of embarrassment crossed Adelheid's face at this question, butshe answered carelessly: "Nothing especial, only they don't exactlyunderstand each other. "

"Not understand one another! Wallmoden is almost forty years yourbrother's senior, and he's the lad's guardian, too, for two years more, until Eugen attains his majority. So the boy had nothing to do but obeyorders for that brief space. "

"Of course, but Eugen, while warm-hearted, is impetuous andinconsiderate, as he has always been from a small boy. "

"That's a pity! He'll have to change all that when he assumes theresponsible position which is awaiting him, if he expects to follow inhis father's footsteps. But there seems something more than that thematter here. I made a passing allusion to your marriage, Ada--that ithad surprised me a little, more especially as I had known your husbandso well, and had not imagined you were so ambitious. Whereupon Eugenturned on me and defended you in the warmest manner. Said you had beensacrificed for him, and left me quite bewildered by his passionate wordsand insinuations. "

"You should not have paid any attention to him, " said Adelheid, withnoticeable uneasiness. "Such a young hothead sees the tragical side ofeverything. What was it he did say?"

"Really nothing. He said you had made him promise to say nothing withoutyour permission, but that he hated his brother-in-law. What does it allmean?"

The young wife was silent; this talk was anything but pleasant to her. The colonel looked at her searchingly, while he continued:

"You know it is not my habit to force myself into others' secrets. Itake little interest, now-a-days, in the doings of my neighbors, but thehonor of my oldest friend is called into question by the insinuation ofa boy. I had no patience with Eugen, and told him to go to Wallmodenand threaten him if he had anything to say. His answer was: 'O, Herr vonWallmoden would explain the thing by calling it diplomatic; he has shownhimself a great diplomat. Ask Ada, let her tell you her experience. ' SoI did as he bade me, I asked you, but as you will say nothing, I have noalternative but to speak to your husband. For I cannot keep silenceconcerning such insulting remarks. "

He spoke without excitement, in a measured, cold tone, as if, while amatter of no moment to himself, he felt it his duty to interrogate hisfriend's wife. 

"Pray don't mention it to Herbert, I beg of you, " Adelheid said, hastily. "I will tell you myself. Eugen has been carried away by histemper; he has taken the affair too much to heart from the beginning. There was nothing dishonorable in it. "

"I supposed that when Wallmoden had to do with it, " the colonelinterrupted with marked emphasis. 

Adelheid lowered her voice, but she avoided the colonel's eye as shecontinued:

"You know that I was not engaged to Herbert until after our year'sresidence in Florence. My father was very ill and his physicians orderedhim to Italy for the winter. We went to Florence for a couple of months;our farther movements were to depend upon my father's condition. Mybrother accompanied, us and when the winter set in he was to returnhome. After a few weeks we took a villa just outside the city, andlived, of course, a very retired life. Eugen saw Italy for the firsttime under very sad and depressing circumstances; it was very trying forhim, a mere boy, to sit day after day in a sick room, so I seconded hisrequest to be allowed to go to Rome for a few weeks, and obtained thedesired permission for him. I ought never to have done so. But I didnot know how great was his inexperience or into what it would lead him. "

"Which means that he plunged into frivolous pleasure or dissipationwhile his father lay on his death-bed, " the Colonel interposed harshly. 

"Do not be hard on him. My brother was scarcely twenty years old, andwhile he had a loving father, he had a severe one, who had brought himup with such strictness that this little breath of freedom proved toomuch for him. The young German, with no worldly experience whatever, wasenticed into a circle where play ran high, and where, as was afterwardsproven, cheats and gamblers plied their vocation. Eugen in his ignorancesaw nothing of all this; he lost considerable sums, and at last onenight the club was raided by the police. The Italians resisted them anda scuffle ensued, into which Eugen was drawn. He only defended himself, but in so doing severely wounded one of the police, and he was arrestedwith the others. "

The Colonel had listened in silence to Adelheid's agitated recital, buthe showed neither interest nor emotion as he said severely: "And poorStahlberg had to live to see his son, whom he imagined a model, come tothis!"

"He never knew it. It was only a momentary seduction, a boy's misstepthrough ignorance, which will never be repeated; Eugen has given me hisword of honor for that. "

Falkenried laughed out suddenly, such a bitter, mocking laugh, that theyoung wife looked at him in alarm. 

"His word of honor. Certainly, why not? It is as easy given as broken. Are you really so credulous that you would take the word of such a boy?"

"Yes, I am, indeed, " Adelheid answered earnestly, as she lookedreprovingly into the face of the man whose bitterness she could notunderstand. "I know my brother; he is his father's son in spite ofeverything and will not break his word. "

"It is well for you you can still trust and believe; for me such dayswere over long ago, " said Falkenried, scowling, but in a milder tone. "And what happened then?"

"My brother had word sent to me at once. 'Do not tell father, it wouldkill him, ' he wrote. I knew better than he that it would do so; myfather was far too ill then to bear any excitement. It was hard for themoment to know what to do, for we were strangers in a strange land. ThenI thought of Herbert, who was at that time ambassador to Florence. Weknew him slightly at home, and he had called upon us in Florence, andoffered his services or those of his attachés if we should desireanything. Since we had taken a house he had been to see fatherfrequently, and came now immediately in answer to my request. I hadreliance in him, and told him all, asking for advice and help, and hegave me both. "

"At what price?" asked the Colonel, suddenly, with darkening face. 

"No, no; it is not as you think, or as Eugen will persist in believing. I have not been forced. Herbert gave me my free choice. He explained tome that the matter was much more serious than I had thought, that allsums lost at play must be paid, and that the affair might yet assumeserious proportions on account of the wounding of the policeman. Heexplained that it would be very embarrassing for him in his position, tobe personally mixed up in such an affair. 'You desire me to save yourbrother, " he said. "Perhaps I can do it, but I place my presentposition, and my whole future at stake by so doing, and one hardly caresto do that for any one less than a brother, or brother-in-law!"

Falkenried rose with a start and paced the room once, then he stoodbefore his friend's wife, and said in an angry tone:

"And in your deadly anxiety, naturally you believed him?"

"Do you mean that it was not so?" questioned Adelheid. 

He shrugged his shoulders as he answered:

"Possibly. I understand little of diplomatic considerations, but I knowthat Wallmoden showed himself a greater diplomat than ever in this hour. What answer did you give him?"

"I begged for time, it had all come on me so suddenly. But I knew not amoment was to be lost, so the same evening I gave Herbert the right torescue his brother-in-law. "

"Naturally, " muttered Falkenried with keen contempt. "Wise Herbert. "

"He left for Rome at once, " continued Baroness von Wallmoden, "andreturned eight days later with my brother. He had succeeded in gettingEugen off without making him conspicuous; his name was not evenmentioned in the papers as connected with the affair. How Herbert did itI never knew. He spent money like water, and he told me later that hepledged half his fortune to cover the gambling debts. "

"That was very magnanimous, when he was about to gain a million by thesacrifice. And what did Eugen say to this--transaction?"

"He did not know of it at the time, for he returned at once to Germany, as had been arranged before. Herbert came to the house now, daily, andmy father grew to like him, and when Herbert finally proposed to him formy hand, I was thankful that the affair had taken the turn it had, andmy father imagined he had been paying court to me all this time. ButEugen was not to be deceived. As soon as he heard of our betrothal, hissuspicions were aroused, and he wrung the truth from me. Since then hehas reproached himself continually, and has a hatred for Herbert, notwithstanding my repeated assurances that I was not coerced, and havehad no cause to regret my marriage, and that I find in Herbert anattentive, considerate husband. "

Falkenried looked searchingly in her face as if he would read her inmostthoughts. 

"Are you happy?" he asked at last, slowly. 

"I am contented. "

"That is much in this life; we are not born to be happy. I have done youan injustice, Ada. I thought that the glitter of court life, theopportunity to marry a baron and an ambassador had tempted you to becomeFrau von Wallmoden, but I find instead--I am sorry, Ada, that I did youan injustice. "

He extended his hand as he spoke, and in the motion there was a plea forpardon. 

"Now you know all, " said Adelheid with a deep sigh, "and I beg you notto discuss the subject with Herbert. You see for yourself he did nothingdishonorable. I repeat to you he used no force, my love for my brotherwas the only force. I could not have expected Herbert to exert himselfas he had to do in Rome--for a stranger. "

"If a woman had come to me under such circumstances, I should have savedher brother--without stipulations, " Falkenried exclaimed. 

"Ah, you--I would have followed you with a light heart. "

These words disclosed unconsciously how hard had been the strugglewithin this girl's breast. If a sacrifice had to be made, far easier tomake it to the dark, gloomy, rigid man who, notwithstanding all hisbitterness and hardness, she could trust implicitly, than to the politeand attentive husband who had taken advantage of her inexperience andfear. 

"You'd have had a sad lot in that case, Ada, " the colonel answered witha shake of the head. "I am one of those human beings who can give orreceive nothing more in this world; life was over for me long ago. Butyou are right, it is better for me not to discuss this matter withWallmoden, for if I gave him my opinion--but he is and ever will be adiplomat. "

The conversation was over and Adelheid rose and said in her usual quiettone:

"And now shall I show you to your room? You must be fatigued after yourlong journey. "

"No indeed, I'd be a poor soldier to be worn out by a night's travel. Inthe service something else is expected from us. "

He bore no marks of fatigue; as he stood, broad and tall before her, hismuscles and sinews seemed made of steel, it was only the face which wasold and haggard. The eyes of the young wife followed him thoughtfully ashe again paced the room. She noted the furrowed forehead, so high andbroad under the white hair. It seemed to her she had seen it somewhereelse, only the locks were dark and curly, and beneath the brow werestrange, large eyes, which illumined a face of southern beauty. Butsurely the forehead on which she gazed was strangely like that acrosswhich the sudden wave of passion had passed on that memorable day of thehunt, even to the deep-set blue veins which stood out so prominently inthe temples. It was a strange, unaccountable, fascinating resemblance. 

A few hours later the two old friends were seated together inWallmoden's private study. The host had dreaded this hour, but now thetale was told and the impression which it made on the Colonel anythingbut what his host had expected. He had told of Rojanow's suddenappearance at Fürstenstein, of the sensation which his drama had createdin the city, of his wandering life with his mother during past years, and of Zalika's death. Falkenried had leaned back in the chair, his armresting on the window sill, and listened to the whole long story withoutmovement of form or feature, without a question, without a comment; hehardly seemed to hear, he was indeed made of stone. 

"I believe it is right to tell you all this now, " concluded theambassador. "Hitherto I have not troubled you with the knowledge whichhas come to me from time to time, but now you must learn all I have totell and how the land lies. "

The Colonel did not change his position, and his voice betrayed noemotion as he replied: "I thank you for your good intentions, but youcould have spared yourself the trouble. What do I care for thisadventurer?"

Wallmoden had not expected such an answer, and looked keenly at hisfriend as he continued:

"I deemed it necessary to tell you because of the possibility of ameeting. Rojanow plays a conspicuous part here and is to be met witheverywhere. The duke is greatly taken with him; you will be very apt tocome across him at the castle. "

"And what then? I know no one who bears the name of Rojanow, and he willnot dare to know me. We will pass one another as strangers. "

Wallmoden watched his friend's face closely while he was speaking; hewondered if all feeling was dead, or if this intense coldness andindifference were assumed. 

"I believed you would have taken the news of your son's re-appearancedifferently, " he said, half aloud. It was the only time he used the word"son;" he had called him Rojanow in telling the story, and he did itwith a purpose now. For the first time there was a movement from thewindow, but it was a movement of anger. 

"I have no son, bear that in mind, Wallmoden. He died that last night atBurgsdorf, and the dead return no more. "

Wallmoden was silent, but the colonel stepped up to him and laid hishand heavily on his arm. 

"You mentioned just now that you felt it your duty to tell the duke, butconsideration for me had kept you silent so far. I have but one thingleft to guard in the wide world, the honor of my name, and such anexplanation on your part would stain it forever. Do what you think isbest. I shall not prevent you, but--I must then do what I think best. "

His voice sounded hard as ever, but there was a tone underlying hiswords which fairly frightened the ambassador. 

"For God's sake, Falkenried, what do you mean?"

"Do as you choose. You diplomats have peculiar ideas of honor at times, with which ordinary mortals may not agree--I leave it to you. "

"I shall be silent, I give you my word, " answered Wallmoden, to whomFalkenried's words were enigmatical, for Adelheid's confession wasunknown to him. "I had really decided on that before you came. The nameof Falkenried shall not be exposed to scorn or derision through me. "

"Well and good, then we need not discuss the subject farther, " saidFalkenried. Then, after a short pause, he began on quite a differentsubject. "You have prepared the duke for what I bring him? What doeshe say about it?"

Here was again the old, iron impenetrability which closed the dooragainst all inquiry. The change was a welcome one to the ambassador, whowas here, as elsewhere, the diplomat, and disliked nothing more thanunnecessary candor and straightforwardness, and who would never havethought of giving all this information to Falkenried, had not the dangerof his friend learning it elsewhere been very great. Now no matter whathappened, he could say to the father, "I told you. I warned you. " Eventhe duke could not find fault with a man for sparing an old friend. "Wise Herbert" understood how to answer them all. 

Colonel Falkenried's stay was limited, and there was so much to be donethat he had scarcely time to breathe. 

Audiences with the duke, consultations with prominent militaryofficials, hours spent with certain members of foreign embassies, allthese had to be crowded into a few days. Wallmoden was scarcely less indemand until everything was arranged. The ambassador, and moreespecially Colonel von Falkenried, had reason to be contented with theresult, for they had acquired everything which they demanded for theirgovernment, and could count with full reliance on the duke. It waswhispered that some matter of more than ordinary import was on thetapis, but none of the gossipers knew what, and the few who did knowkept their own counsel. 

The author of "Arivana" was the favorite of the day, and people began todiscuss his very erratic behavior. Almost immediately after hisglittering triumph he had turned his back upon all who had done himhomage, friends and sycophants alike, and gone to the "wilderness, " asPrince Adelsberg explained to every one; where that wilderness lay, noone knew, for Egon had given his word to his friend that he would notreveal his retreat, and Hartmut had promised in return that as soon ashe had had a little quiet and rest he would come back. So no one knewthat Herr Rojanow was at Rodeck. 

Baron von Wallmoden's carriage was drawn up on a cold, dark morningbefore the door of the Prussian ambassador's residence. 

This time the drive was to be a long one, for servants brought out fursand robes and piled them on the seats. The ambassador, who had justrisen from his breakfast, was taking leave of the Colonel. 

"Well, good-bye until to-morrow night, " he said, holding out his hand. "We'll be back by that time, anyway, and you'll remain for several daysyet. "

"Yes, as the duke has requested it, " answered the Colonel. "I sent myreport off at once to Berlin; so a few days either way doesn't matternow. "

"Of course not. And they'll certainly be well satisfied with yourreports, too. But we've had a few hot days with little time for rest. Thank God, everything is arranged and we can breathe again! I feel thatI am free to leave the city now for twenty-four hours, so Adelheid and Iwill go to Ostwalden. "

"Ostwalden is the name of your new country seat? I remember, youmentioned it yesterday, but I did not understand just where it wassituated. "

"It lies about ten miles from Fürstenstein. When we were there inSeptember, Schönau called my attention to it. It is situated in the mostbeautiful part of the celebrated forest, and suits me exactly. Theyasked a ridiculous price for it, but since my return I've decided totake it and am going there now to make some final arrangements. "

"Ada does not appear too well pleased with your choice. She seems todislike the neighborhood of Fürstenstein, " said the Colonel. ButWallmoden shrugged his shoulders indifferently. 

"Just a whim, nothing more. In the beginning Adelheid was in rapturesover Ostwalden, and then later she raised every possible objection tothe place; but I had gone too far to retreat. I shall in all probabilityremain some time at my present post, and want to avoid long journeys inthe summer. So that a country seat which can be reached in four hoursfrom town possesses great attractions in my eyes. The castle has beensadly neglected of late years, and I'll have to make many altertions. But I have my plans for rebuilding and altering all arranged, and amgoing to make it one of the finest places in the country. "

He talked with great satisfaction over all he was to accomplish atOstwalden. Herbert von Wallmoden had possessed but a small fortune ofhis own, and had been forced to live very circumspectly all his lifelong, in consequence. But now he could give free rein to his desire forsplendor and display, and could talk of fine homes in city and countrywithout thought of the outlay, or any consideration either for the whimsof the young wife whose fortune he was spending with so lavish a hand. 

Perhaps Falkenried thought of all this as he listened to his friendgrown almost enthusiastic on the subject, but he said nothing. He hadgrown more silent and stonier than ever, if that were possible, duringthe last few days. And when he did ask a question concerning theevery-day affairs of life, one felt it was merely mechanical, and thathe scarcely cared whether he received an answer or not. 

Now as Adelheid entered the room, fully equipped for her journey, heturned to her and offered his arm to escort her to the carriage. Afterhe had helped her in it, Wallmoden entered, and as the coachman crackedhis whip, said:

"We'll be back to-morrow without fail--good-bye. "

Falkenried bowed and stepped back. It mattered little to him whetherthey came back to-morrow or not, all friendships were over for him. Butas he entered the house again, he said:

"Poor Ada, she deserved a better fate. "

Everything was going on in the usual quiet fashion at Fürstenstein. Willibald had been there for a week. He was two days later than he hadexpected to be; but he had met with a slight accident, and his hand washurt, so he told his uncle; and this was perfectly satisfactory, and notat all alarming, as the hand was nearly healed now. The head foresterfound his son-in-law changed since his last visit, and changed for thebetter, too. He had become much more earnest and decided than formerly, and seemed so well satisfied with his daughter, von Schönau thought. 

"I believe Will will turn out to be a man, yet. How much he improveswithout his mother to stand by to command and dictate. "

As for the rest, Herr von Schönau had no time to trouble himself withthe lovers. The duke, during his stay at Fürstenstein, had made manychanges and innovations upon the established order of things in theforestry, and it required both zeal and watchfulness on the part of thehead forester to set things straight again, and bring his subordinatesback to the old regime. He saw Antonie and Willibald daily, and noticedthat they were much together and seemed to understand one anotherperfectly, so he did not concern himself much about them. 

In the meantime there had been much anxiety and alarm in the house ofDr. Volkmar. 

The doctor's sickness, which had not at first been regarded as serious, had suddenly taken an alarming turn, and owing to his age the worst wasfeared. His granddaughter was telegraphed for in hot haste, and she, after obtaining permission from her manager, who gave her part in"Arivana" to an understudy, hurried home at once. 

It was at this time that Antonie showed her sincere, unobtrusiveattachment to her childhood's friend. Day after day she went to theVolkmar cottage, to comfort and cheer Marietta, who hung in an agony ofanguish and suspense over her grandfather's bed. Willibald found itnecessary to go with his cousin and do what he could. All this seemednatural enough to the head forester, who was sincerely attached to theVolkmars, and felt a great desire to show more than an ordinary amountof attention to "the poor little thing" who had been so cruelly insultedin his house. He had it in for his sister-in-law when he should see heragain. 

At the end of three dreadful days the doctor's strong constitutionasserted itself, and hopes of his recovery were entertained. Herr vonSchönau was as rejoiced as any of the family, and rubbed his hands witha satisfied air when Toni, on the fourth day, reported a markedamendment in the doctor's condition. 

But a thunder-storm from the north was descending upon them all. Suddenly, without any announcement, Frau von Eschenhagen appeared intheir midst. She had wasted no time in the city with her brother, butcame on directly from Burgsdorf, and descended like a veritablethunder-storm upon her brother-in-law, who was in his own room readingthe papers. 

"Bless us--is it you, Regine?" he cried, really alarmed. "This is asurprise. Why didn't you send word you were coming?"

"Where is Willibald?" was her only response in an incensed tone. "Is heat Fürstenstein?"

"Of course, where else would he be? He wrote you of his arrival, thatmuch I know. "

"Let him be called--now, this minute. "

"What's the matter with you, Regine?" asked the head forester, noticingfor the first time her intense excitement. "Is Burgsdorf burned to theground? I can't bring your Will to you now, this minute, for he's nothere just now, he's over at Waldhofen--"

"Probably, at Dr. Volkmar's. In that case she's there too. "

"What 'she?' Toni has gone over as usual to be with Marietta; that poorlittle girl has been in despair for the past few days. And I want tohave a word with you, Frau sister-in-law, while we are on this subject. How could you have spoken so cruelly to Marietta, in my house, too. Ididn't hear of it for some time after, but I can tell you I--"

A loud, angry laugh interrupted him. 

Frau von Eschenhagen had thrown aside her bonnet and cloak, and she nowstrode angrily to her brother-in-law's chair. 

"Do you still reprove me because I did my best to put an unclean thingout of your house? You have always been blind. You would not listen tome--and now it is too late. "

"I believe you're gone clean mad, Regine, " said Herr von Schönausolemnly. He didn't really know what to think. "Control yourself longenough to tell me what the trouble is. "

For reply Regine unfolded a newspaper and pointing to a certainparagraph said tragically:

"Read!"

The head forester began to read, and he, too, soon became excited, andgrew red and angry as he read on. The paper was a weekly, published inthe South-German capital, and the article which excited their jointwrath read as follows:

"We have just learned that a duel with pistols was fought early lastMonday morning, in one of the unfrequented suburbs of our city. Theopponents were the well-known society gentleman, Count W. , and a youngNorth German landlord, W. V. E. , who is the nephew and has been for thepast few days the guest of a very prominent member of the diplomaticcircle. The cause of the quarrel which resulted in the duel was a memberof the court theatre company, a young singer who has, until now, enjoyeda good reputation. Count W. Was wounded in the shoulder, and Herr v. E. , who has left the city since, received a trifling wound in the hand. "

"That goes beyond anything I ever heard, " cried the head forester, in atowering rage. "My future son-in-law fights a duel on Marietta'saccount. What was the quarrel about? What do you know about it, Regine?My papers don't mention it. "

"But mine do. You'll find it in yours if you look them over well. Icaught sight of the article yesterday, and started at once, without evenstaying over to see Herbert. Evidently he knows nothing about it yet, orhe'd have sent me word. "

"Herbert'll be here to-day; in an hour or two now, " said von Schönau, while glancing hastily over the papers. "He was going to Ostwalden withAdelheid, he wrote me, and would return to town by way of Fürstensteinand spend an hour with me. Perhaps he is coming to tell me about it, but that doesn't change anything. What's the matter with Will, has hegone mad?"

"Yes, that he has, " answered Regine, all excitement again. "You sneeredat me, Moritz, when I warned you your child would suffer fromassociation with an actress. That such a thing as this could happennever entered my head until the moment when I discovered that Willibald, my own, only son, was in love with this Marietta Volkmar. I tore himfrom the danger and returned at once to Burgsdorf. That was the reasonof our sudden flight. I did not tell you for I thought Will was onlydazed for the moment, and would soon recover his reason again. The boyseemed to have done so, or I would never have trusted him to come herewithout me. I put him in Herbert's charge and felt perfectly sure thatall would be well. He could only have been in the city three or fourdays at most, and well must he have spent his time. "

She threw herself back in an easy chair, worn out and anxious as well asangry, while the head forester walked up and down the room angrier thanever now. 

"And that's not the worst of it, " he cried. "The worst is the game whichthe rascal has been playing with me and my poor daughter since he camehere. My poor child has been running to Waldhofen day after day to givewhat comfort and aid she could, and Willibald has always accompanied herto comfort Marietta too--oh, its atrocious! Your model son has turnedout well, I must say, Regine. "

"Perhaps you think I intend to shield him!" Regine answered spitefully. "He shall stand before me, shall stand before us both, and speak. That'swhat I have come for. He shall learn to know me!"

She rose as though ready now for the attack, and her hearer, who wasmuttering angrily to himself, said aloud:

"He shall learn to know us both!"

Just then, in the middle of their excitement, the door opened, and thepoor, ill-treated fiancé, Antonie von Schönau entered the room quiet andcomposed as ever, and said as she went toward her aunt:

"I heard from the servants of your unexpected arrival, dear aunt--I amso glad to see you. "

Instead of any answer or word of greeting from her aunt the samequestion from both sides sounded in her ears. 

"Where is Willibald?"

"He'll be here in a few minutes, he waited to give some direction to thecastle gardener; he does not know his mother is here. "

"To the castle-gardener! Doubtless he wants some more roses, " Frau vonEschenhagen broke out afresh, while the father held out both his arms toToni and said, in a trembling voice:

"My child, my poor, deceived child, come to me. Come to your father'sarms. "

He would have drawn his daughter into his arms, but Regine steppedbefore him and said in a husky voice:

"Be composed, Toni, you will have a fearful blow from your false lover;you will despise him and his deceptions from your very soul. "

This sudden sympathy had in it something alarming, but fortunately Tonihad never been troubled with weak nerves; she released herself now fromthis double embrace, and drew back from them both as she said, withquiet decision:

"I could not do that, for Will is beginning to please me better now thanhe has ever pleased me before in his life. "

"So much the worse, " interrupted her father. "Poor child, you knownothing, suspect nothing. Your lover has fought a duel, and for a woman, too. "

"I know it, papa. "

"For Marietta, " screamed her aunt. 

"I know it, dear aunt. "

"But he loves Marietta, " they both cried out with one voice. 

"I know it all, " declared Toni in her quiet, drawling tone. "Have knownit for a week. "

The effect of this declaration was so depressing that the two angryparents were dumb, and looked at one another stupefied. In the meantimeToni continued with the utmost composure:

"Will told me all about it just as soon as he got here; and he spoke sosimply and with such true heartedness that he made me weep from verysympathy; then a letter came from Marietta begging my pardon, and it wasso loving and penitent in its tone that I was deeply moved. There wasnothing for me to do but to give back my lover his freedom. "

"Without asking us?" interposed her aunt. 

"No questions were necessary in this case, " Antonie answered, quietly. "I cannot marry a man who declares to me that he loves another woman. Sowe dissolved our engagement without any further discussion. "

"Indeed, and I learn it now for the first time. You two have become veryindependent, all at once, " cried the head forester, enraged. 

"Will meant to explain to you the next day, papa, but after such anexplanation he felt he could not remain here longer, and just thenMarietta was called home by her grandfather's illness. She was nearlybroken hearted when she thought he would die, and Will felt he couldnot leave her until he knew what would be the result of the illness. SoI said to keep silence until the danger was over, and then speak. Wehave both gone daily to the cottage to cheer poor Marietta. They are sograteful to me and call me the guardian angel of their love. "

The young girl seemed quite affected by this thought, and took herhandkerchief to wipe the tears which were welling up in her eyes. 

Frau von Eschenhagen stood stark and stiff as a statue. 

Schönau had folded his arms, and said with a deep sigh:

"Well, God bless you for your magnanimity, my dear child. So everythingis as if it had never been. But you have been very generous in yourstatements, one must acknowledge that. You have taken it very quietly, and seen your betrothed make love to another girl before your veryeyes. "

Antonie nodded her head. She was greatly pleased to play the _rôle_ ofguardian angel, and she found no difficulty in so doing for heraffection for Willibald had been very mild from the beginning. 

"There was no talk of love making, papa. Dr. Volkmar was far too ill, "she explained. "We had all we could do to comfort poor Marietta, who wasdreadfully alarmed. You can see for yourself now that I have not beendeceived and that Will has been outspoken and honorable throughout. Itwas I who advised him to be silent for a few days, particularly as itwas a matter which only concerned us two, and--"

"Oh, that is what you thought. Then it does not concern us at all?" thehead forester interrupted angrily. 

"No papa, and Will thought with me that in such a case there was no usein troubling the parents--"

"What did Will think ?" asked Frau Regine, who at this unheard ofassertion thought it was time to take part in the conversation again. 

"That one should love before one marries, and Will is right, " Tonideclared with unwonted vivacity. "When he and I were engaged, there wasno talk of love. It was all settled for us, but that'll never happen tome a second time. I see now for myself what it means when two peoplelove one another with their whole hearts, and how greatly it has changedand improved Will. Now when I marry I must be loved as Will lovesMarietta, and if I can't find a man who will love me devotedly, I'llremain single all my life. "

And with this declaration and with a decisiveness in which nothing waslacking, Fräulein Antonie von Schönau tossed her head back, and walkedout of the room leaving her father and aunt in anything but an enviablestate. 

Herr von Schönau turned to his sister-in-law and said in a subdued butangry tone:

"Your son has been going ahead beautifully, Regine. Now Toni declaresshe will be loved devotedly, too; this is the beginning of fine, romantic ideas in her head, and Will seems to have them all down fine bythis time. I verily believe he has done his own proposing this time. "

Frau von Eschenhagen did not heed his ironical remarks; she sat gazingvacantly into space, but the look on her face was not pleasant to see. 

"I'm glad you can see the comical side, " she said after a pause. "Iconfess I look another way. "

"That won't help you much, " Herr von Schönau answered. "When a model sonbegins to rebel, that's the end of it. It's hopeless trying to changehim, particularly when he's in love. But I am very curious to see Willgenuinely in love, and to hear what this paragon has to say forhimself. "

His curiosity was to be gratified at once, for just at that momentWillibald put in an appearance. 

It could be seen at a glance that he had heard of his mother's arrivaland was prepared to face her. The young heir did not hang backdiffidently this time, as he had done when he hid the roses in hispocket two months before. There was something in his bearing which toldhe was prepared for combat. 

"There is your mother, Will, " began the head forester. "You must begreatly surprised to see her. "

"No, uncle, I am not, " the young man answered, but he made no attempt toapproach his mother, who stood like a threatening cloud, and whose voicewas an angry growl as she asked:

"Perhaps you know, then, why I came?"

"I imagine why, mother, even though I do not know where you obtainedyour information. "

"The newspapers keep us advised--there, read that, " and his motherhanded him the newspaper from the table. "But Toni has been here andtold us all--do you hear--all!"

She spoke the last words in a tone of annihilation, but Willibald didnot seem at all disturbed by them, and answered very quietly:

"Well, then, in that case, there's no need for my saying anything. Otherwise I should have spoken to my uncle this afternoon. "

That was too much. Now the cloud broke with thunder and lightning, andthe storm descended with such violence upon the head of the sinning sonthat there seemed nothing less for him to do than to sink into theground as a creature too debased to live; but he did not sink; he benthis head before the driving tempest, and when his mother stopped amoment--she had to take breath--he looked up quietly and said:

"Mother--will you allow me to speak now?"

"Oh, you are ready to speak? That is really remarkable, " Schönauinterrupted with a sneer. He felt he had not been kindly used by hisdaughter and her lover. Willibald began to speak, at first hesitatinglyand slowly, but, as he went on, his voice strengthened, and his couragereturned. 

"I am very sorry to have grieved you, but I could do nothing else thistime. I was as innocent of any desire to fight a duel as was Marietta. She was followed in the park by an impertinent fellow who insisted uponpressing his attentions upon her; she was alone, unprotected. I saw whathappened and knocked the fellow down for his pains. He sent me achallenge which I would not, and dare not decline. I have only Toni'spardon to beg for loving Marietta, and that I did immediately upon myarrival. She knows all, and has given me back my freedom. We understandand respect one another much more since our betrothal is at an end, thanever we did before. "

"Well, this almost passes belief, " exclaimed the head forester angrily. "We did not force you; you could have said no, either of you, if you haddesired. "

"Well, we do it now, " Willibald answered, so decidedly and quickly thathis uncle looked at him quite bluffed. "Toni sees as well as I that amere marriage by arrangement is not right, and when one has felt thebliss of loving he must marry the object of that love and no other. "

Frau von Eschenhagen, who had recovered her breath by this time, feltthe sting of these last words. It had not entered her thoughts that onebetrothal had been broken in order that another might be arranged, butnow the fearful possibility struck her. 

"Marry;" she repeated, "who would you marry? Would you marry thatMarietta, that creature--"

"Mother, you must learn to speak of my future wife in a differenttone--" said her son, in so earnest and decided a manner that theenraged woman was dumbfounded. "As Toni has released me, I am at libertyto love Marietta, and Marietta's character is blameless, of that I havehad proof. Who vexes or insults her must answer to me--even if it be myown mother. "

"See, see, the boy's getting on bravely, " cried the head forester, whosesense of justice overcame for the moment his anger. But Frau vonEschenhagen was far removed from any instinct of justice. She hadbelieved that her mere presence would have subdued her son, and now hedefied her in this manner. His very appearance was different, and thisenraged her the more for she realized how deep and strong was thefeeling which could thus have changed him. 

"I will spare you the trouble of calling your own mother to account, "she said with intense bitterness. "You are of age and are the heir ofBurgsdorf, and I cannot prevent you doing as you choose. But on the daywhen you bring Marietta Volkmar to Burgsdorf--I leave it. "

The threat had its effect; Willibald moved back a step as he saidexcitedly:

"Mother, you are speaking in anger. "

"I speak in full earnest. As soon as an actress enters that house asmistress, where I have lived and ruled in honor for thirty years, andwhere I had hoped to lay my head down for my last, long sleep, I leaveit forever. So take her to Burgsdorf if you wish--you have your choicebetween your mother and the actress. "

"But Regine, don't be so unreasonable, " remonstrated Schönau. "Youshould give the poor fellow some chance and not leave him such a hardchoice. "

Regine did not heed his remonstrance, she stood there, white to the verylips, her eyes fixed upon her son. She repeated impressively:

"Decide which it shall be--she or I. "

Willibald had grown pale, too, and an expression of deep pain lay on hisface as he said gently: "That is hard, mother. You know how dearly Ilove you, and what a grief it will be to me if you should leave me. Butif you are so cruel as to leave me no option, then, " he straightenedhimself and finished with great decision, "then I choose Marietta. "

"Bravo!" cried the head forester, who quite forgot that he was asufferer also. "Will, I can echo what Toni said, you please me betternow than you have ever done in your life. I really feel very sorry youare not going to be my son-in-law. "

Frau von Eschenhagen had not been prepared for such an answer. She hadbuilt upon her old power and strength, and now it lay at her feet awreck. 

She was not the woman to yield, however; had it cost her her life shewould not have bent her stubborn will then. 

"Very well, then, we are done with one another, " she said shortly, andturned to leave the room without heeding her brother's whispered words, as he rose to follow her. But before they had reached the door, it wasopened hastily by a servant, who said excitedly:

"The steward from Rodeck is here and wishes--"

"I have no time to be bothered now, " interrupted Schönau sharply. "Tellold Stadinger I am engaged upon important family matters and--"

He did not finish, for Stadinger, who had followed the servant stood inthe doorway, and said in a suppressed tone:

"I come upon a family matter, Herr von Schönau, but it is a sad one. Icannot wait, but must speak with you at once. "

"What is it? speak out!" said the head forester. "Has any misfortunehappened to the prince? He's not at Rodeck?"

"No, his highness is in the city, but Herr Rojanow is here and sent me. He begs that you and Herr von Eschenhagen come down at once to Rodeck, and, " he glanced at Frau von Eschenhagen, of whose arrival he had notheard, "and my lady should come, too. "

"But what is it, what has happened?" cried the forester, seriouslyalarmed now. 

The old man hesitated; he seemed not to know how to break his bad newsgently. At last he spoke. 

"His excellency Baron von Wallmoden is at Rodeck--and the baroness, too. "

"My brother?" Regine cried apprehensively. 

"Yes, my lady. His excellency was thrown from his carriage and now he isunconscious at Rodeck, and the physician whom we summoned in haste, sayshis condition is very serious. "

"God help us! Moritz, we must go at once, " exclaimed Regine. 

Schönau had already rung and he ordered horses and carriage to be gotready at once. "And now, Stadinger, tell us how it happened. "

"The Herr Baron was on his way from Ostwalden to Fürstenstein, " beganStadinger. "The way lay through the Rodeck lands, not far from theCastle. Our forester, who was in the woods close by with some of themen, fired a couple of shots at a deer which started out of the thicketand ran across the road just in front of His Excellency's carriage. Thehorses shied and started off, and the coachman lost control of them. The forester, who reached the road at that moment, heard the FrauBaroness say to her husband: 'Sit still, Herbert! for God's sake, don'tmove!' But the baron must have lost his head, for he stood up and madeone spring. Of course he did not know where he was going, and fell withgreat force against a fallen tree. Just a few yards farther on, at abend in the road, the coachman succeeded in pulling up the horses. Thebaroness, who was not hurt at all, only shaken a little, hastened atonce to her husband, but the poor gentleman was badly hurt, and wasunconscious. The forester and his men brought him to Rodeck. HerrRojanow did everything that was necessary, and then sent me in hot hastefor you!"

In the presence of this new disaster, all dissensions ceased, and Toniwas summoned and orders were hastily given, and as soon as the carriagewas ready the head forester and Frau Regine hurried off. Willibald andStadinger followed them at once, but as they descended the stairs, theformer held back for a moment and asked in a whisper:

"What did the physician say? Did you hear anything?"

The old man shook his head sadly and answered in a subdued tone:

"I stood by when Herr Rojanow questioned him in the hall. There is nohope. The poor baron won't live until night. "

CHAPTER XIII. 

The little hunting lodge of Rodeck, which lay so white and silent in thesnow of that first December day, had seldom been witness to so great anexcitement as that occasioned by Baron Wallmoden's accident. It wasabout noon when the two foresters appeared with their unconscious burdenin their arms. Hartmut Rojanow had seen at a glance what was to be done. He had the injured man taken at once to Prince Adelsberg's room, sentoff a messenger for the nearest physician, and gave intelligent ordersconcerning the sick man's treatment until the doctor should arrive. 

Then, when the physician told him there was no hope, he dispatched oldStadinger to Fürstenstein. Frau Regine only arrived in time to see herbrother die. Wallmoden never recovered consciousness after the fearfulshock of his fall; he lay upon the bed silent and motionless, breathingwith difficulty, and recognizing no one, and an hour later all was over. 

Toward evening Herr von Schönau and Willibald returned to Fürstenstein. Before starting for Rodeck a telegram had been dispatched to the embassytelling of the accident, and now the head forester sent anotherannouncing its fatal termination. 

Fran von Eschenhagen remained at Rodeck with her brother's widow. Thecorpse would be taken to the city early in the morning and until thenthe two women would remain with it. Adelheid, who had faced the dangerso bravely, and had done her duty, though there was little to do at herhusband's death bed, now when all was over, seemed to lose her strength. She was bewildered by the sudden and terrible occurrence. 

Hartmut Rojanow stood at his window in the second story, and glancedacross the desolate, bare forest, which, with its snowy mantle, had aghostly, uncanny look. 

The night came down quickly, and the stars shed a faint light over thetall, leafless branches. Yesterday the first snow storm of the seasonhad come, and everything as far as eye could reach was enveloped in anicy mantle. The great level park before the castle was knee deep withsnow, and the broad branches of the fir trees bent to the earth withtheir heavy white burden. The stars came out one by one and dotted theheavens with their clear, quiet light, while far to the north a faintrosy glow tinted the distant horizon like a first morning greeting inthe eastern sky. But it was night, a cold, icy winter night, upon whichno gleam of a new day could have fallen. 

Hartmut's eyes rested on the distant shimmer, but he heeded not itslight; all was dark and gloomy within him this night. He had not spokento Adelheid von Wallmoden since the memorable day in the forest, untilhe met her to-day walking beside her bleeding and unconscious husband, whom they were bearing to his death bed. The moment forbade everythingbut action, and Rojanow had not attempted to enter the sick room, buthad waited outside for the physician's reports. Neither had he showedhimself when Frau von Eschenhagen appeared, but he had spoken later withHerr von Schönau and Willibald. Now all was over, Herbert von Wallmodenwas no longer numbered among the living, and his wife, his widow, wasfree!

Hartmut breathed heavily at this thought, but it brought him no joy. Hisfeelings were changed since that hour when he had staked his all andlost, for he loved this woman now, madly. This sudden death had showedhim the chasm which yawned between them, a chasm no less becauseAdelheid's marriage bonds were broken. Her aversion had been for the manwho believed in nothing, and to whom nothing was sacred, and that manwas as great a scoffer, as great an unbeliever to-day as ever. 

He had pleaded for forgiveness in the character to which he had givenher name in "Arivana, " but that Ada had disappeared again in the heightsabove after giving her warning cry, leaving to their fate the creaturesshe had exhorted, with their earthly passionate hates and loves. HartmutRojanow could not force the wild blood in his veins to run in quietgrooves, he could not bend to a life of strict and narrow duty, and hewould not! What were the use of all those gifts which he felt were his, if they did not lift him out of the old ruts, did not raise him abovethe duties and limits of the commonplace world? He knew well that thosegreat blue eyes urged him to follow the paths which he hated sobitterly, and which, he told himself over and over again, he could nevertake. 

The rosy shimmer yonder over the forest had grown deeper as it mountedhigher in the heavens. Unmovable it shone in the north, mysterious, farand high--the great northern light in its dawning splendor!

A roll of carriage wheels and sound of horses' hoofs coming at greatspeed waked Hartmut from his dream. It was past nine, who could becoming at so late an hour? Perhaps the second physician, who had beensent for early in the day, but had not yet answered the summons; perhapssome one from Ostwalden, where the news had been sent late. The carriageturned into the broad road, and came on crunching and cracking over theicy ground, and drew up under the wide porte cochere at the side of thehouse. Hartmut, who was virtually master of the place, left his roomand hastened to see who had come or what was wanted. 

He had taken but a step or two down the stairs which led to the entrancehall, when he stopped suddenly and held his breath with a gasp. Theresounded a voice which he had not heard for ten long years. It spoke in alow, subdued tone, and yet he recognized it at the first word. 

"I come from the Prussian Embassy, " the new-comer explained. "Wereceived the telegram early this afternoon, and I started at once. Howis he? Can I see Herr von Wallmoden?"

Stadinger, who admitted the stranger, answered in a low tone. Hartmutdid not hear what he said, but could imagine from the next words:

"Then I come too late!"

"Yes, sir; the Baron died this afternoon. " There was a short pause, thenthe stranger said:

"Take me to his widow; tell her it is Colonel von Falkenried. "

Stadinger led the way, and a tall figure wrapped in a military cloakfollowed him; the man watching on the stairs could only recognize thecontour of the figure. The two had long since disappeared in the roombeneath, and yet Hartmut stood grasping the ballister, and looking downinto the semi-darkness with vacant eyes. When Stadinger came out again, Hartmut retraced his steps slowly to his own room. 

For a quarter of an hour he paced restlessly up and down. He was havinga hard, fierce struggle with himself; he had never yet bent his pride, never been able to yield, and he must bend and bend low before thisdeeply injured father; this much he knew. But the longing, the burninglonging to see and be with him again, finally gained the victory. 

He threw back his head with sudden decision. "No, I will be no coward. Iwill not avoid him. Now that we are under the same roof, within the samefour walls, I will venture. He is my own father and I am his son!"

From the castle clock of Rodeck sounded forth ten slow, heavy strokes. Without in the forest all was still, and within was the silence ofdeath. The old steward and the servants had all gone to bed, as had alsoFrau von Eschenhagen. She had had a long journey without rest, and onepainful excitement after another on this never-to-be-forgotten day, andnow nature demanded rest. Lights yet glimmered from a few windows, andthese belonged to Colonel von Falkenried's and Frau von Wallmoden'srooms, which were only separated by a long, narrow ante-chamber. 

Falkenried was to accompany Adelheid to the city to-morrow. He had seenher and Regine, and then had stood for a long time beside the body ofhis old friend, who had parted from him with a careless good-by butyesterday; who had been so full of plans and projects of his hopes andambitions for the future. Now everything was at an end. There he lay, cold and stiff upon the bier. Falkenried stood at the window in his ownroom; even this fatal accident had not moved him from his icy calm; hehad long looked upon death as a happy release. Life was hard, veryhard--but not death. 

He gazed out into the silent winter night. The whole northern sky wasaglow with the dark red flame which started out of the darkness like asheet of fire. The stars blinked faintly, as through a purple veil, andfar beneath them all the earth lay cold and white and still. 

Falkenried was so deeply wrapt in thought that he did not notice theopening and closing of the door of the adjoining room. Softly his ownroom door opened, but he did not look up nor see the tall figurestanding on the threshold. 

The Colonel still stood by the window, though his face was but halfturned toward it, and the flickering of the candle on the table shoneacross it. How deep and sad were the lines around the mouth; howfearfully furrowed the high forehead beneath the white hair. Hartmutshuddered unconsciously--he had not thought to find the change so greatnor so painful. This man who was yet in his prime, looked old, so old. And who had worked this change? Several minutes passed in silence, thena sound was heard in the room, half aloud and breathless; only one word, but that one full of inexpressible tenderness:

"Father!"

The colonel started as if a voice from another world had fallen on hisear. Then he turned slowly, but with an expression as though he expectedreally to see a vision from the spirit-land. 

Hartmut took a few quick steps forward, and then stood still. "Father, it is I. I come--"

He was silent, for now he met his father's eyes--those eyes which he sodreaded; and meeting them, he was robbed of all courage to speakfarther. His head sank and he was silent. 

Every drop of blood seemed to have left the colonel's face. He had notknown that his son was under the same roof with him, and was totallyunprepared for the meeting. But he made no outcry, showed no sign eitherof anger or weakness. Still and stark he stood and looked upon him whohad once been his all. At last he raised his hand slowly, and pointedtoward the door:

"Go!"

"Father, hear me. "

"Go, I say!" The order sounded threatening this time. 

"No, I will not go!" cried Hartmut, passionately. "I know thatreconciliation can only come in this hour. I have wronged you deeply;how deeply, how severely, I feel now for the first time. But I was onlya boy of seventeen, and it was my mother whom I followed. Remember that, father, and forgive me, forgive your own son. "

"You are the son of the woman whose name you bear; you are no son ofmine. No one devoid of honor can be a Falkenried. "

The words were almost too much for Hartmut. The blood mounted hot andwild to his brow--the brow so like his father's--and it required all hisstrength to keep himself under control. 

The two believed themselves to be alone in the silence of the night, forall in the castle had retired to rest. They did not know that they had awitness. Adelheid von Wallmoden had not retired to rest. She knew thatsleep would not come to her eyes, which had witnessed the dreadfulaccident which left her a widow. Still clad in the dark traveling dresswhich she had worn on that fateful journey, she sat in her room, whenthe colonel's voice sounded on her ear. With whom could he be speakingat that late hour? He knew no one, and yet his voice had a strange, threatening sound. Puzzled and uneasy, the tired woman rose and steppedinto the ante-chamber which separated the two rooms, to see who it was. She had no desire to overhear any conversation. She had a nervousfeeling that something new might have happened. Then a voice which sheknew only too well, said "Father, " and that one word revealed to herwhat the next few words confirmed. Like one possessed she stood stilland listened to all which came to her through the half-opened door. 

"You make this hour very hard, father, " Hartmut said, laboring tocontrol his voice, "but I think I hardly expected anything else. Wallmoden has told you about me, I feel sure, and what I have sought, and how I have succeeded. I bring you the poet's wreath, father, thefirst which has fallen to my share. Learn to know my work, let it speakto you, then you will realize how impossible it was for a man of mytemperament to live and breathe under the restrictions of a professionwhich was death to every poetic feeling; then you will forgive yourunruly son for his boyish trick. "

Hartmut Rojanow was himself again, and spoke with his old domineeringpride. His arrogant self-consciousness clung to him even in this hour. He was the author of "Arivana, " who acknowledged neither obligation norduty. 

"The boyish trick, " said Falkenried in a harder voice than ever. "Yes, that's what they called it in order to make it possible for me to remainin the service. I called it something else, and many of my comrades withme. You would soon have been an ensign, in a few weeks you would havebeen fleeing from the flag you had sworn to defend--I have never knownsuch another case. You had been well and carefully educated and I hadstriven to instill into your mind the keenest sense of honor. You knewonly too well what you did, you were no longer a boy. He who flees likea thief in the night from the service of his country is a deserter; hebreaks his word and he does not know what honor means. That is what youdid! But it comes easy for you, and such as you, to do such things. "

Hartmut bit his lips and his whole body trembled at these mercilesswords. His voice had a hollow, half suffocated sound as he answered:

"Listen, father, I cannot bear that. I have bowed before you, have pleadfor forgiveness, and you drive me from you. It is the same cruelhardness with which you once drove my mother away. It was your severityalone which was accountable for her erratic life after you thrust herfrom you and for mine through hers. "

The colonel folded his arms and an expression of withering contemptplayed round his lips. 

"And you heard all this from her own lips? Possibly! No woman falls solow that she reveals to her son the disgraceful truths of her life. Iwould not soil your soul at that time with the truth, for you were yetinnocent and pure. Now you will understand me when I say that my honordemanded the separation from your mother. The man who had stained itfell by my hand, and she, as you know--I put her from me. "

Hartmut grew deadly pale at this revelation. He had never known this, never dreamed of such a thing, had in fact, believed that it was hisfather's cruel disposition which had separated husband and wife. 

The image of his mother whom he had so dearly loved, was suddenly andruthlessly despoiled of its purity and its charm, and in its place camethe desolating conviction that she whom he had trusted and followed hadbeen his destruction. 

"I would have protected you from the poisonous atmosphere of such aninfluence, " continued Falkenried. "Fool that I was! Even without herpersuasion you were lost to me. You had your mother's features, and itwas her blood which flowed in your veins, and sooner or later you werebound to come to your own. You became what you are--a homelessadventurer who knows neither fatherland nor honor!"

"That is too much!" cried Hartmut, almost wild now. "I will not be soinsulted by any one, not even by you. I see now that no reconciliationbetween us is possible. I will go, but the world will judge otherwisethan you. It has already crowned me, and I will force from it therecognition which my own father denies me. "

The colonel looked at his son, and there was something frightful in hisglance; then he said, slowly and distinctly, in his icy tone:

"Better be careful that the world does not learn that the 'laurelcrowned poet' was suborned in Paris for over two years--as a spy. "

Hartmut started back as though shot. 

"I? in Paris? you must be out of your mind. "

Falkenried shrugged his shoulders contemptuously:

"Still acting a comedy? you need give yourself no trouble; I know all. Wallmoden laid before me the proofs of the game which Zalika Rojanow andher son played in Paris. I know the sources from which the money came onwhich you lived after she had lost her fortune. She was greatly soughtafter for her peculiar accomplishments, for she was very skillful. Hewho paid the highest price--secured her services!"

Hartmut was completely overwhelmed. 

This then was the solution of Wallmoden's riddle. He had not understoodthe ambassador, and had thought his insinuations of a different nature. 

He could understand his mother's hypocrisy now, her evasions, her kissesand flatteries when he pressed her with questions. This last was indeedthe worst of all--and the last vestige of respect for her who had bornehim died within him as he listened to his father's recital. 

The silence which ensued was awful. It continued for several minutes, and when Hartmut spoke again his voice seemed to have lost all sound, and the words came brokenly--scarcely audibly--from his lips:

"And you believe that I--that I--knew it?"

"I do, " the colonel answered shortly. 

"Father, you cannot, you must not believe that, it would be tooterrible. You must believe me when I tell you that I had not theslightest premonition of such a disgrace. I believed that part of ourfortune was saved, I did indeed--you must believe that, father. "

"No, you did not, " responded Falkenried, more coldly than ever. Hartmutthrew himself upon his knees. 

"Father, by all that is sacred in heaven and earth--oh, do not, do notlook at me that way--you will drive me mad. Father, I give you my wordof honor--"

A wild, hideous laugh from his father interrupted him. 

"Your word of honor--you gave that at Burgsdorf. Let us end this comedy;you cannot deceive me. You leave me with one lie, you return to me withanother. You have become the genuine son of your mother. Go your ownway, and I'll go mine. But one thing I tell you, I command you! Neverventure to connect the name of Falkenried with the dishonored name ofRojanow. Never let the world know who you are. Remember this warning, otherwise my blood be upon your head--for I will make an end of it all. "

With a cry of despair, Hartmut sprang up and would have rushed to hisfather, but the latter held him back with his hand. 

"Perhaps you think that I love life. I have borne it because I must, andI felt that it was my duty. But there is a point where duty ends, youknow it now--so act accordingly. "

He turned his back to his son and stepped again to the window. Hartmutspoke no word; in silence he turned and left the apartment. 

The ante-chamber was not lighted, but the dim, distant light from thenorthern sky fell upon the face of a woman, who stood pale as death nearthe window, and whose eyes gazed with a look of indescribable anguish atthe face of the miserable man who entered the room. He saw her, and asingle glance told him that she knew all. His cup was full! The womanwhom he loved had been a witness to his terrible humiliation. 

Hartmut never knew how he succeeded in leaving the castle; he only knewthat he was suffocating within four walls and must have air. But when herealized where he was and who he was, he was lying in the deep snow atthe foot of an old fir tree. It was night in the forest, a cold, icynight, the heavens were illuminated with a deep red glow which centeredin the north and sent up its long, gleaming sheet of flame. 

 * * * * *

It was summer again, the sultry July days were half over. 

The forest trees cast long, cool shadows from their green and sombredepths, while the sunbeams danced in and out among the branches throughall the silent, bright days. 

Ostwalden, the estate which Herbert von Wallmoden had purchasedimmediately before his death, had been empty and deserted until withinthe past few days, when the young widow, accompanied by hersister-in-law, Frau von Eschenhagen, had arrived. Adelheid had left theSouth German capital soon after her husband's death, and had gone to herold home accompanied by her brother, who had hastened to her side assoon as he heard of the sad accident. Her short marriage had only lastedeight months and now in her twentieth year she wore the weeds ofwidowhood. 

Regine had been easily persuaded to accompany her sister-in-law. She hadnever changed her ultimatum regarding her return to Burgsdorf, and it isneedless to add, Willibald had not changed. Adelheid asked her to gohome with her and she had gone, feeling that her threat had as yet borneno fruit. 

Frau von Eschenhagen believed she could effect a revolution of feelingin Willibald's heart by this move. But his newly acquired firmness hadnot been fleeting, though he tried every argument to persuade his motherto return to Burgsdorf and to think kindly of his future wife--but allto no purpose. Regine had no thought of yielding an inch, and now, mother and son had not seen one another for many months. 

There had been no formal betrothal to Marietta. Willibald felt that heowed his cousin and uncle the consideration of not having a secondbetrothal follow so closely upon the first. Then Marietta's contractwith the Court theatre bound her for the next six months, and as herengagement was a secret there, it was thought advisable to keep it sountil she had left the theatre forever. The young singer had but justreturned to her grandfather's house, where Willibald was also expectedsoon. Frau von Eschenhagen knew nothing of all this, or she would hardlyhave accepted an invitation which brought her into the neighborhood ofWaldhofen. 

The day had been hot and sunny, but the late afternoon hours brought arefreshing breeze, and swayed the drooping branches of the trees whichoverhung and shaded the road leading from Ostwalden through the Rodeckforest. Along this road, two men were trotting their horses; the one ingray jacket and hunting cap was the head forester, Herr von Schönau, theother in a light summer riding suit, which set off his slender figureto advantage, was Prince Adelsberg. They had met accidentally, and soondiscovered that they were bound for the same place. 

"I did not dream of meeting your Highness here, " said Schönau. "Iunderstood you were not coming to Rodeck at all this summer. I sawStadinger day before yesterday and he certainly didn't expect you then. "

"Stadinger made a great hue and cry because I came upon him sounexpectedly, " answered the prince. "To hear him you'd think it was hisown castle and I was intruding. And then I walked from the station, andhe considered that a most undignified proceeding. But the heat at Ostendwas unbearable; the sun just poured down on the strand, and anirresistible longing came over me for my own cool forest home. Thank theLord, I am rid of the heat and noise of that Babel at last. "

His Highness had not cared in this instance to tell the truth. A certainattraction in his immediate neighborhood, of which he heardaccidentally, had started him from the North Sea at a moment's notice. Stadinger in a report which he sent his master concerning certainmatters at Rodeck, had mentioned that preparations were being made atOstwalden for the reception of the young widow. And it was inconsequence of his own gossipy letter that the steward was disagreeablysurprised by the prince's sudden appearance. The head forester seemedsomewhat sceptical about the prince's fancy for his "cool forest home, "for he said banteringly:

"Then I am greatly surprised that our Court remains so long at Ostend. The duke and duchess are there, and Princess Sophie with a royal niece, a kinswoman of her late husband, I hear. "

"Yes, with her niece. " Prince Egon turned suddenly and looked at hiscompanion. 

"Herr von Schönau, I see you are about to congratulate me. If you doI'll demand satisfaction on the spot, right here in the middle of theforest. "

"I don't intend to get into any difficulty with you, " laughed hishearer. "But the papers speak very openly of an impending betrothal atCourt, and that the duchess and Princess Sophie are charmed with theprospect. "

"My beloved aunt has many desires which I fear will never be gratified, "said the prince, coolly. "Her obedient nephew doesn't always fall inwith her views, and that's the case in this affair. I went to Ostendbecause I had to; in other words, because the duke invited me, and Icould not refuse; but the air did not agree with me, and I prize myhealth above all things. I didn't feel well from the first, so at last Iresolved--"

"To break loose, " interrupted the head forester. "That was very likeyour highness, but how will you calm your kinsfolk at Court?"

"Oh, well, I can make it all right with them if they feel aggrieved. Asfar as that goes, " continued the prince, with seeming frankness, "I madeup my mind last winter to spend part of the summer here, and whenStadinger wrote me that some alterations were going on, I determined tocome on to Rodeck myself to superintend them. "

"Superintend the putting up of a new chimney?" questioned the headforester in surprise. "The old one smoked last winter, so Stadingerdetermined to put in a new one, but that don't require any attentionfrom you. "

"What does Stadinger know about it ?" said the prince angrily. He wishedthe "old bear" would hold his tongue about what went on at Rodeck. "Ihave many changes in view. We are pretty near our destination, I see. "

With that he started his horse on at a faster gait, and the headforester followed his example, for Ostwalden lay before them. The greatbuilding which Herr von Wallmoden would have made so magnificent, had helived, was an old, rambling castle, with two high towers, one on eitherside, which gave the building a very picturesque appearance, surroundedas it was by a wild, partially overgrown park. The present mistress ofthe place, so it was said, intended to make few changes, but she wouldnot sell the place. What mattered a country-seat more or less to theheiress of the Stahlberg millions. 

The gentlemen found on their arrival that Frau von Wallmoden was walkingin the park, and Frau von Eschenhagen was in her room. The young princeannounced that he would seek the lady of the house, while the headforester turned his steps toward his sister-in-law's room. 

He had not seen Regine since the previous winter. As he entered the roomhe said in his wonted hearty manner:

"Here I am. I didn't think it worth while being announced to mysister-in-law, although she does avoid my house with contempt. I don'tbelieve in hunting pretexts for quarrels, so have ridden over in thishot sun to have an explanation. "

Regine reached out her hand to him. A passing glance would reveal nochange in her in these last six or seven months; she was the samestrong, determined woman as ever. But there was a change, nevertheless. Heretofore her severity and harshness had always been tempered by acertain winning cheerfulness, but that was gone now. She had notyielded, but--she had suffered. She was estranged, perhaps forever, fromher only son, who was the idol of her mother's heart. 

"I have nothing against you, Moritz, " she said heartily. "I knew youwould be true to the old friendship in spite of all that you and yourdaughter were made to suffer; but of course it is very painful for me togo to Fürstenstein; you must see that. "

"On account of the broken engagement? Well you can console yourselfabout that. You saw and heard at the time how good naturedly Toni tookthe matter. She played the _rôle_ of guardian angel much better thanthat of sweetheart, and she wrote you several times that she had noregrets and so did I. But, I am sorry to say, our assurances haveamounted to nothing. "

"No, but I know how to appreciate your rare generosity. "

"Rare generosity!" repeated her brother-in-law laughing. "Well, perhapsa jilted bride and her father do not always want to speak a good wordfor a recreant lover, but that is not the case this time, and who knowsbut we may be able to persuade the mother to see as we do. Toni and Ihave both remarked that Will never was a man until now, andthat--forgive me, Regine, but I must say it--he owes his manhood tolittle Marietta. "

Frau von Eschenhagen's brow darkened at this remark; she did not see fitto answer it though, but showed that she wanted to avoid furtherdiscussion by asking, in a changed tone:

"Has Toni come back yet? I heard from Adelheid that she had beenvisiting in the city, but was expected any day. "

Herr von Schönau, who in the meantime had ensconced himself in acomfortable chair, answered:

"Yes, she came home yesterday--and with an escort, too. She brought ayoung man with her who was to be her future husband, she declared, andas he declared so too, with great positiveness, there was nothing leftme but to say, yes and Amen. "

"What's that? Toni engaged again?" exclaimed Frau Regine in surprise. 

"Yes, this time she did it all herself. I knew nothing of it. But yousee, she took it into her head that she must be loved to distraction;nothing less romantic would do for her. Well, Herr von Walldorf seems toanswer all her requirements. He related to me with the greatestsatisfaction how he fell on his knees and assured her he could not livewithout her, and how she gave him a similar touching assurance, withmore to the same effect. Yes, Regine, the day has gone by when we cankeep the children in leading strings. When they get ready, they want tochoose their own partners for life and I must say they're not farwrong. "

The last sentence was uttered with seeming carelessness, but Regineunderstand it fully. Thoughtfully she repeated:

"Walldorf? The name is strange to me. When did Toni meet him?"

"He is a friend of my son and came home with him on his last visit. As aresult of that visit, I met the mother, and she invited Toni to spend afew weeks with her, and that's where all the courting was done. But Ihave no reason to feel dissatisfied. Walldorf's a handsome fellow, andlively, and head over heels in love; he seems a little light and frothynow, but that will disappear when he gets a sensible wife like Toni. These model sons are not always to my taste; they get too skittish whenthey break loose. We have an example of that in Will. Walldorf willresign in the Autumn. I won't have my Toni marrying a lieutenant; I willbuy them an estate and they will be married at Christmas. "

"I am greatly rejoiced on Toni's account, " said Frau von Eschenhagen, heartily. "You take a great load from my heart by this news. "

"And now, " said the head forester, nodding to her, "you should follow myexample and take a load from the heart of another betrothed couple. Bereasonable, Regine, and give in. Little Marietta is a dear, good girl, if she has sung in a theatre. Every one speaks highly of her. You neednever be ashamed of your daughter-in-law. "

Regine rose suddenly and pushed her chair back with a violent movement. 

"I beg you, Moritz, once for all, to spare me such requests. I willstand by my word. Willibald knows the conditions under which I shallreturn to Burgsdorf. If he does not fulfill them, we are better apart. "

"It will be a long time before he will do that, " said herbrother-in-law, dryly. "When a man is asked to abandon the woman heloves for a mother's whim, he's not apt to do it if he's made of theright stuff. "

"You express yourself very freely, " said Frau Regine, angrily. "But whatdoes a man know of a mother's love or of the gratitude of children? Youare all an ungrateful, heedless, selfish--"

"Hold! I have something to say for my own sex, " von Schönau beganexcitedly. Suddenly, however, he leaned forward and said in a changedtone:

"We haven't seen each other for seven months, Regine, so don't let'squarrel the very first day we meet. We can do that any time, you know. We won't discuss that obstinate heir of Burgsdorf, but speak ofourselves. How do you like life in the city? To me you hardly seemcontented. "

"I am very well contented, " declared Regine with great decision. "All Imiss is the work; I am not accustomed to an idle life. "

"Of course you miss it. You always have been at the head of a greatestablishment, and that's where you should be now, so I--"

"Don't begin again, I beg you. "

"No, I don't mean Burgsdorf this time, " said von Schönau, looking downat his riding boots. "I only meant--you're all alone in the city, andI'm all alone at Fürstenstein, and when Toni marries, it will be veryweary. Would it not be better--oh, I've said it all to youbefore--perhaps you won't, perhaps you have a better offer in view, but--wouldn't it be better to have a triple instead of a doublemarriage?"

Frau von Eschenhagen looked darkly on the ground and shook her head. 

"No, Moritz, I never was less in the humor for marrying than now. "

"Another refusal !" cried the head forester impatiently. "This makes thesecond time. First you would not have me because you had your son andyour beloved Burgsdorf to look after, now you won't have me because youare not in the humor. Humors have nothing to do with marrying, onlycommon sense; but when a woman hasn't any sense, and is too stubbornto--"

"You're in a very flattering mood, I must say, " interrupted Regine, thoroughly aroused now. "It would be a very peaceful marriage, with youwagging your sharp tongue all the time. "

"It wouldn't be peaceful. I never expected that, " Schönau declared, "butneither would it be monotonous. I believe we could endure one another. Now, once for all, Regine, will you have me or will you not?"

"No, I don't care to enter into a marriage of endurance. "

"So be it!" cried the head forester, furious now as he jumped up andseized his hat. "If it gives you such pleasure to be eternally sayingno, why say it. Willibald will marry and he is right, and now I'll doeverything to hurry on his marriage just to annoy you. " So saying heleft the room in a violent temper, slamming the door behind him as hewent, while Frau Regine remained behind equally irritated. These twowere apparently fated to quarrel whenever they met; it seemed anecessity of their natures, but no quarrel was so bitter that peacecould not be established at their next meeting. 

In the meantime Prince Adelsberg had found Frau von Wallmoden in thepark. He begged her to continue her walk, and now the two weresauntering under the cool dark shadows of the great lindens, whosespreading branches protected them from the sun's rays, which beat downso fiercely on the neighboring meadows. 

Egon had not seen the young wife since her husband's death. He had madea formal visit of condolence at that time, but Eugen Stahlberg hadreceived him in his sister's stead, and immediately after the brotherand sister had left for the North. Adelheid still wore deep mourning, but Prince Egon thought the sombre attire and black veil under which herfair hair gleamed like a halo, only enhanced her beauty. 

His glance frequently sought the fair young face, and each time he askedhimself what change had come over it; he felt there was a change, butcould not define wherein it lay. Egon had only seen her when her cold, proud reserve held every one in check. Now all coldness had disappeared, he saw and felt it, and yet there seemed a mystery about her which hecould not unravel. 

She could not be grieving for a husband old enough to be her father, who, even had he been nearer her own age, was of a cold, guarded nature, and could not inspire the love of a fresh young girl. And yet there wassomething in the face which told of sorrow, of a deep and voiceless woe. 

"If this icy exterior could be broken through one would find warmth andlife beneath, " Prince Egon had declared more than once, half jestingly. Now this transformation had been partially effected, slowly, almostimperceptibly. But this soft, half-pained expression, which had takenthe place of the haughty, cold one, this sorrowful glance, gave theyoung widow the one charm which had been lacking--gentleness. 

The conversation had been about trifling every-day matters, inquiriesand answers concerning the court and the harmless gossip of the day. Egon repeated the story he had already related to the head foresterabout the heat of Ostend, and his desire for solitude in his littlewoodland home. His listener's fleeting smile showed him that she was asincredulous as Herr von Schönau had been; perhaps she too had read thenewspaper statements concerning the royal niece at Ostend. He was angry, and was puzzling his brain to know how he could broach the subject, andcorrect the error into which the papers had led her, when Adelheid askedsuddenly:

"Will your highness be alone all summer at Rodeck? Last year you had aguest with you. "

A shadow darkened the prince's face, and he forgot the correction whichhe was about to make concerning his reported betrothal. 

"You mean Hartmut Rojanow ?" he said very seriously. "He will scarcelyjoin me; he is in Sicily at present, or was, at least, a couple ofmonths ago. Since then I have not heard from him, and don't even knowwhere to write. "

Frau von Wallmoden stooped to pluck a flower which grew in her way, asshe said quietly:

"I believed you were in constant correspondence with one another. "

"I hoped to be when we parted, but the fault is not on my side. Hartmuthas become an unsolvable riddle to me lately. You witnessed theglittering success of his 'Arivana' on that first night; which successhas been repeated in many cities since then; the drama has fairly takenthe people by storm, and the poet who has done it all flees from theworld, even from me, and buries himself, God knows where. I cannotunderstand it. Upon my soul, I cannot understand it. "

Adelheid plucked the petals of her flower as they walked on slowly, thensaid in a low tone, as she looked with intense interest into theprince's face:

"And when did Herr Rojanow leave Germany?"

"In the beginning of December. Shortly before that he had gone to Rodeckto spend a few days; that was immediately after 'Arivana' was broughtout. I thought it was a whim of the moment and said little, but suddenlyhe came back to me in the city in a state of excitement which fairlyfrightened me, and announced that he was going to leave Germany andtravel. He wouldn't listen to reason, wouldn't answer a question, andwas off like a thunder-bolt. He had been gone weeks before I heard fromhim again; since then I have had some letters, few and far between. Hewas in Greece for several months, then he went to Sicily, and now fortwo months I have been waiting anxiously for news. "

Egon spoke in an anxious tone. No need to ask how painfully thisseparation from his dearest friend affected him. 

He little knew that the woman by his side could have solved the riddlefor him. She knew what drove poor, unsatisfied Hartmut from land toland, knew the blemish that soiled the poet's name. This was the firstnews she had heard of him since that fatal night at Rodeck, when all hadbeen revealed to her. 

"I presume poets are formed of different clay from common mortals, " shesaid slowly, as she scattered the leaves before her. "That's the onlyreason one can ascribe for their vagaries. "

The young prince shook his head sadly. 

"No, it is not that; his peculiarities spring from some other source. Ihave felt confident for a long time that there is something dark andmysterious in Hartmut's life, but I never could ascertain what it was. He would allow no allusions to his past. I have often broached thesubject, but he resented all reference to it. There seems to be averitable sword of Damocles hanging over him, and when in some happymoment he thinks he has escaped, he looks up, and there it hangs asusual gleaming above his head. I was more impressed than ever with thatidea when he last parted from me, he was so excited--almostinsane--nothing could hold him back. I cannot tell you how sad I amabout him. For more than two years we lived together. I learnt to knowand appreciate his warm heart, and responsive, genial nature. Noweverything is desolate and dreary without him, and all the rich coloringseems to have gone out of my life. "

They had reached the limit of the park and remained standing for amoment now. Before them lay a long stretch of meadow with a hotafternoon sun streaming down on it, while a background of forest-cladmountains rose high and green in the distance. Adelheid had listenedsilently, and now her sad glance rested on the far mountain heights. Suddenly she turned and held out her hand to her companion. 

"I believe you to be a very self-sacrificing friend. Herr Rojanow shouldnot desert so true a comrade. Perhaps you could save him fromthis--sword of Damocles. "

Egon could hardly credit his senses. 

This warm hand pressure, the sad, tender glance from the eyes brimmingwith tears, and the almost passionate earnestness with which she spoke, surprised and enchanted him. He grasped her hand and pressed it withfervor to his lips. 

"If I could ever do anything for Hartmut, I would do it gladly. Restassured your plea for him will spur me on. While I am here you mustallow me the neighborly privilege of coming to Ostwalden frequently. Donot say no for I am all alone at Rodeck, and I came here solely for thepurpose--"

He stopped suddenly, feeling that the time had not yet come when hecould reveal to her why he had come, and he saw that no such confessionwould avail him now. Adelheid drew her hand back quickly, and steppedback; for a moment the old icy manner was upon her again. 

"Of avoiding the heat and noise of Ostend; so you have alreadyexplained. " She said very coldly. 

"That was only a pretext, " responded the prince earnestly. "I leftOstend because of certain reports which were being circulated concerningme. When I saw myself figuring in the newspapers, I determined to makean end of it. These reports were altogether groundless, as far as I wasconcerned. I give you my word for it, Baroness. "

He had at least taken advantage of this opportunity to explain howuntrue were all rumors concerning his engagement to his aunt Sophie'sniece. Frau von Wallmoden was distant and formal as she replied:

"Why does your Highness deem it necessary to make this declaration tome? It was only a report, I fancy. It is understood, I believe, that youhave resolved never to give up your freedom. I think we must return tothe castle now? You say my brother-in-law has come with you, and I mustsee him. "

Egon turned with her, and as they sauntered back resumed his light, gossipy chatter. As soon as possible he made some excuse for leaving, and as Adelheid bade him good-bye, she gave him a courteous invitationto call again, and that was to him the important thing. 

"My cursed hastiness!" he muttered, as he rode away. "I'll keep away fora couple of weeks. As soon as any one approaches a step near, she turnsinto ice again"--but here the prince's face lighted--"but the ice isbeginning to melt. I saw it and felt it in her tone and glance. I willhave patience--the prize is worth a struggle!"

Egon von Adelsberg little thought that every glance, every tone had beeninspired by the memory of another, and that the invitation to repeat hisvisit had only been spoken because the fair chatelaine of Ostwaldenhoped to hear from her guest the news of a distant wanderer. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

It was midsummer in the warm and pleasant month of July, when the world, which lay in such dreamy, peaceful repose, was suddenly awakened inaffright as from a deep sleep. From the Rhine to the sea and back againto the Alps, there blazed an unearthly lightning flash followed bydistant thunder-roar, and from the west the heavy war cloud descendedupon the land; while the cry of "War! War! War with France!" re-echoedthroughout all Germany. 

It came like a whirlwind upon the South Germans, --tearing men from theirhomes, changing plans so carefully laid, and parting many who made them, forever. Where all had been so calm but one short week before, everything was now confusion and excitement. At Fürstenstein where thedaughter of the house was happy with her lover, all was bustle now, forthe lover must leave at once to join his regiment. At Waldhofen whereWillibald was expected, he appeared suddenly in hot haste to spend withMarietta the few days which intervened before he marched to the front. At Ostwalden, Adelheid was making hasty preparations to start for theNorth, in order that she might clasp her brother once more in her arms, before he, too, joined the troops. Prince Adelsberg had left at thefirst sound, and was in the city as soon as the duke. The world hadchanged its face altogether in a few short hours. 

Willibald was in the little garden of Waldhofen, speaking earnestly andimpressively to the old doctor, who sat upon the rustic bench, but whohardly seemed persuaded by the younger man's eloquence. 

"But, Will, it seems very precipitate, " he said, shaking his head, "your betrothal to Marietta has never been made public, and now you aregoing to be married. What will the world say?"

"Under existing circumstances the world will say it was the proper thingto do, " Will answered, emphatically. "Though we need not care what itsays. I must go to the war, and it is my duty to make Marietta's futuresecure before I go. I couldn't endure the thought that she'd have toreturn to the stage if I should die, nor be left to the tender merciesof my mother; the fortune which I shall inherit is in her hands, and shewill guard it carefully. I have only the estate of Burgsdorf, which if Ishould die, goes to a distant branch of the family. According to the oldfamily law and custom, however, the widow of the heir has a rich dower. I want Marietta to have my name, and I can then go to the field feelingassured that her future will be well provided for. "

He spoke quietly but with determination. The indifferent, dullWillibald, was not to be recognized in this energetic man, who knew whathe wanted, could give clear, sound reasons, and was determined to havehis wishes fulfilled. He had gone through a hard but thorough school inthese last six months in which he had been alone. He had had to fightagainst many obstacles, but the manliness and independence within himhad asserted themselves for all time. Even in appearance he was changedfor the better, and the head forester was right when he said that Willwas a man at last. 

Dr. Volkmar could not say him nay; he knew, alas, only too well, if thatwar took Marietta's lover from her, she would be friendless, pennilessand alone, and a load was lifted from his heart at the thought of herfuture being assured. He made no further objections, but only said:

"And what does Marietta say? Is she willing?"

"Certainly. We decided the question last evening, after my arrival. Ididn't alarm her by telling her I might be killed, or bother her withanything of that kind. There will be time enough for that shouldanything serious happen, but I did tell her that if I was wounded mywife could come to me and nurse me. That decided the matter. We willhave a very quiet wedding, of course. "

The young fellow's face clouded over as he spoke, and he sighed deeply. 

"No, we don't care to have a gay wedding when the mother's blessingcannot follow the bridal pair to the altar. Have you really doneeverything you can, Will?"

"Everything, " Willibald answered, earnestly. "Do you think it is a lightmatter to do without my mother on such a day? But she left me no choice, and I must bear it. I must take the necessary steps at once. I had theforethought to bring such papers as were needed with me. "

"And do you think it possible to have all the arrangements for themarriage made in a few days?" asked the Doctor, doubtfully. 

"Certainly. I will attend to all the formalities that are necessary, sothat there will be no difficulty. As soon as we are married, Mariettawill go with me to Berlin, where we will stay until I am ordered to thefield, then she can return to you. "

Dr. Volkmar rose and held out his hand, saying:

"You are right, it is the best thing to do under the circumstances. Well! well! my singing-bird, so you are willing to be married off-handas this lover of yours wishes?"

The question was put to Marietta, who had joined them at the moment. Herface bore traces of recent tears, but her eyes lighted with a smile asWillibald clasped her hand in his. 

"I won't be long away from you, and you are willing, are you not?"

The old man's glance was half of pain, half of pleasure, as he thoughthow little these two knew of life and its dark shadows, which had closedin around him so long ago. He said in a trembling tone, "Well, marry, and God be with you! I give you my blessing from the bottom of myheart. "

The simple preparations were to be made with all speed, and the marriageto take place as soon as possible. Willibald, to whom the head foresterhad already confided his daughter's engagement, felt that there was noneed of delay now, out of respect to his cousin Toni. 

Toward evening Dr. Volkmar went to visit some patients, and thebetrothed pair, who had had but little opportunity to see one another, settled themselves for a long, quiet talk. The future was dim andfraught with fear and dread, but the present belonged to them, and inthat thought there was happiness despite everything. 

They whispered together in the shaded room, talking the old sweetlovers' talk, and so thoroughly absorbed in one another that they failedto hear some one cross the hall with slow, hesitating steps. Then therustle of a woman's gown attracted their attention, and they looked upand sprang to their feet as they looked. 

"My mother!" cried Will in an alarmed but joyous tone, putting his armaround Marietta as he spoke, as though to protect her, for his mother'sface wore its hardest, most forbidding look. Without appearing to noticethe young girl she turned her face to her son. 

"I heard from Adelheid that you were here, " said she in a hard, drytone, "and I thought I would come and ask you how things were going onat Burgsdorf. Who have you left in your place during your absence? Noone can tell how long the campaign will last. "

The joyful expression on her son's face disappeared; he had hoped foranother greeting from his mother's unexpected appearance. 

"I have provided for possibilities as well as I could, " he answered. "The greater part of the people will have to go, too, and the inspectoris off already; there is no question of substitutes now. So the workwill be, of necessity, limited, and old Merton can oversee it. "

"Merton's an old sheep, " said Regine, in her most decided tone. "If hehas the reins, things will come to a pretty pass at Burgsdorf. There'snothing else for it, but for me to go and see to it. "

"What! You will go?" Willibald cried, but his mother cut him offsharply. 

"Do you think I'd let everything you own go to ruin while you were inthe field? Burgsdorf will be safe in my hands, you know that. I have hadcharge for many a long year, and I'll take my old place until youreturn. "

She still spoke in a hard, cold tone, as if she would stifle all warmfeelings, but now Will took his sweetheart in his arms and came close toher. 

"For my worldly possessions, mother, you have a care, " he saidreprovingly. "But for the best and dearest I possess you have neitherword nor glance. Have you really only come to say you will return toBurgsdorf?"

Frau von Eschenhagen's lips trembled; she could retain her forcedcomposure no longer. 

"I came to see my only son once more before he went to the war, perhapsto meet his death, " she said with painful bitterness. "I had to learnfrom others that he was come to take leave of his future wife, but notto take leave of his mother, and that--that I could not endure. "

"We were coming!" cried the young heir, excitedly. "We were comingbefore we left here to make one last attempt to win your heart. See, mother, here is my love, my Marietta--she waits for a friendly word fromyou. "

Regine gave a long look at the lovers, and a pained expression passedover her face as she saw her son draw Marietta's head down on hisbreast, while the girl's happy, blushing face spoke of trust and lovenever to be shaken. Motherly jealousy had a last, sharp struggle againsther better nature, and then, conquered by love and justice, disappearedforever. Frau von Eschenhagen stretched out her hand to the youngmaiden. 

"I have grieved you sorely, Marietta, " she said half aloud, "and havedone you great injustice, but you have repaid me by taking my boy fromme, my boy, who loved no one but his mother until he met you, and nowloves none but you. I believe that makes us quits. "

"O, Will loves his mother as much as ever, " cried Marietta eagerly. "Iknow only too well how much this separation has cost him. "

"Well, there, we will have to endure one another on his account, " Regineresponded, with an attempt at joking which was far from successful. "Wewill both be anxious enough about him in the days to come, when he is inthe field--ah, " with a deep sigh, "there'll be sorrow and care enoughthen. What do you say, child? I believe we'll bear it better together. "

She held out both arms, and in the next moment Marietta lay sobbing uponher breast. There were tears in the mother's eyes, too, as she leanedover to kiss her future daughter. Then she said in her natural sturdytone:

"Do not weep. Keep your head in the air, Marietta. A soldier'ssweetheart must be brave, remember that. "

"A soldier's wife, " corrected Willibald, as his face grew bright. "Sheis to be a soldier's wife before I march. "

"Then Marietta will belong by right to Burgsdorf, " said the mother, seemingly not at all surprised at this news, which she took very kindly. "No demurrers, child. The young Frau von Eschenhagen has nothing fartherto do with Waldhofen except to visit her grandfather. Or perhaps you areafraid of the stern mother-in-law? Ah, I know you think he will protectyou, " with a nod toward her son, "although he is not at home. He wouldeven declare war against his own mother if she didn't meet his littlewife with open arms. "

"But she will always do that, I know it, " exclaimed her son, with ahappy laugh. "When my mother once opens her heart, then everything shedoes is right. "

"Ah, now you can flatter, " said Regine with a reproving glance. "Youwill come to your future home at once, Marietta! As to the management ofaffairs, you need not bother your head about that. I'll take care ofeverything, for a little thing like you wouldn't know where to begin, and candidly, I wouldn't allow any one to have a voice in the managementof Burgsdorf while I lived there. If I decide to live elsewhere that'sanother matter; but I can see already that Will will want you to livelike a princess all your days. I can but pray that he'll return to uswhole and sound. "

She threw her arms around her son and they embraced more warmly thanthey had ever done in their lives before. 

A quarter of an hour later, the head forester, coming in hastily to seethe old doctor, found the three in earnest conversation. He gave Reginea look, to which she responded by saying:

"Well, Moritz, am I still the personification of obstinacy andunreasonableness?" and she held out her hand to her brother-in-law. Buthe did not take it. Her second refusal but the week before was stillfresh in his mind, and he turned to the others now, saying:

"So you're to be married at once, I hear? I met Dr. Volkmar and he toldme all about it, so I came over to offer our services to the bride, butas Willibald's mother is here, there's little for me to do. "

"Ah, your services will be heartily welcome, uncle, " said Willibaldcordially. 

"Well, well, I won't be sorry to see my nephew married, " said the headforester, kindly. "You've become a very romantic young man of late. Toni's caught the fever, too, and nothing would do but that Walldorf andshe should be married at once; but I put my foot down on that. I saidthe circumstances were quite different, and that I had no intention ofbeing left all alone like a cat. "

He gave another grim look at Regine, but she went up to him and answeredhim cordially:

"Come now, Moritz, don't growl; let us be happy and without strife foronce. You see I did say yes, to my boy at least, when I found his heartwas set on Marietta. "

The head forester looked at her gravely for a moment, then he seized herhand and pressed it warmly, as he said:

"Yes, I see, Regine, and perhaps you'll repent ere long of your no inanother matter, and give a yes instead. "

The old steward of Rodeck stood in his master's dressing-room in theAdelsberg palace. He had come to the city to receive instructions fromthe prince before the latter left for the field. Egon, who wore theuniform of his regiment, had just finished giving the old man hisorders, and said, finally:

"And keep everything in good order at Rodeck, I may possibly be able tospend a few hours there before I start, though the order to march maycome any day. How do you think I look as a soldier?"

He stood back and straightened himself as he asked the question. 

He was a handsome man, and his tall, slender figure appeared to greatadvantage in the rich uniform which he wore. Stadinger looked at himwith eyes full of admiration. 

"You're magnificent!" he said. "It's a pity your highness has to go as asoldier!"

"What do you mean? Am I not heart and soul a soldier? Service in thefield won't be any too easy, but I'll soon get accustomed to it. Nothingshould be difficult when it's one's duty. "

"No, your highness thinks a great deal about duty; that's why you leftOstend when your honored aunt had arranged a marriage for you, sosuitable in every particular, and that's why you--"

"You old rascal!" said the prince. "There's one thing I shall miss inthe field, and that's your insinuations and sermons. By the way, remember me to pretty little Zena when you get back to Rodeck. Is shethere now?"

"Yes, your highness, she is there now, " said the old steward withemphasis. 

"Naturally, because I'm marching to France. But I'll tell you a secret. I'm going to be a model of reason and virtue when I come back and then Ishall marry. "

"Really?" said Stadinger with delight "How rejoiced the whole courtwill be!"

"That's as it may be, " said Egon. "It's more than probable that thewhole court will be in a rage, especially my aunt Sophie. But you besilent, Stadinger; don't breathe a syllable while I am away. Who knowsbut I may never return to you--think kindly of me, old fellow. "

Stadinger's eyes were filled with tears as he turned to go, and he said:

"How can your highness talk that way? It's not likely an old worn-outman like me would be left, and you, so handsome, so young, so gay betaken. That's not according to nature. "

"Well, well, I did not mean to sadden you, you old ghost of the woods!"said the young prince reaching out his hand. "We'll think of victory andnot of the slain, but if both should come together it would not be sohard. "

The old man knelt and kissed his young prince's hand. 

"I would I could go with you, " he said, half aloud. 

"I've no doubt of it, " said the prince laughing. "And you wouldn't makea bad soldier either, despite your old gray head. This time the youngones have to go, and the old ones stay at home. Good-bye, Stadinger, "and he shook him heartily by the hand. "What! You're not crying' Youought to be ashamed of yourself. Away with all tears and sadforebodings. You'll read me many a lecture yet. "

"God grant it, " said old Peter, with a heavy sigh. He gave one glance atthe bright, handsome face, and looked at the moist eyes; then he wentaway with sad, drooping head. He realized for the first time, poor oldman, how deep his highness had crept into his heart. 

The prince glanced at the clock. 

He had an engagement soon but not for an hour yet, so he picked up thenewspapers containing the latest war rumors. 

There was a quick, decided step in the next room; Egon looked upsurprised. Servants did not step thus, and visitors were alwaysannounced. This visitor needed no announcement as every servant in thepalace knew, and all doors were thrown open to him. 

"Hartmut, is it you?"

Egon started forward in joyful surprise as his friend entered, and threwhimself upon his breast. 

"You are again in Germany, and I had no warning of it? You bad boy, tokeep me two whole months without any news! Have you come to see me offand say good-bye?"

Hartmut had not responded cordially either to the greeting or embrace;he was gloomier than ever, and there was no sign of joy in his face overthis meeting. 

"I have come directly from the station, " he said. "I almost feared Iwould not find you, and so much depended on my doing so. "

"Why didn't you write or telegraph that you were coming? I wrote to youat once when war was declared. You were in Sicily, were you not?"

"No, I left there as soon as the war seemed to me inevitable, so I didnot get your letter. I have been in Germany a week. "

"And only come to me now?" said Egon reprovingly. 

Rojanow paid no heed to his friend's reproof; his eyes were fastened onhis uniform with consuming jealousy. 

"You are already in the service I see, " he said hastily. "I, too, amanxious to enter the German army. "

Nothing he could have said would have surprised Egon so effectually. Ingreat astonishment he stepped back a pace. 

"In the German army? You, a Roumanian?" "Yes, and that is why I come toyou; you can make my entrance possible. "

"I?" said the prince, his amazement increasing each moment. "I'm only ayoung lieutenant myself. If you are really in earnest you must apply tosome high officer in command. "

"That I have done already, in various places, in the neighboring states, but no one will take a stranger. A hundred questions are asked, aboveall one is treated with suspicion and distrust; no one seems tounderstand my decision. "

"To speak openly, Hartmut, neither do I, " said Egon earnestly. "You havealways shown the greatest aversion to Germany. You are the son of a landwhose court circles have always followed French manners and customs; thepeople have always been closely allied to France, so the distrust andsuspicion are easily explained. But why do you not go to the duke inperson, and prefer your request? You know how much he would do for thepoet who wrote 'Arivana. ' All you will have to do will be to obtain anaudience, and that will be granted as soon as your name's sent in. Anorder from him would silence every objection. "

Rojanow's eyes sank to the ground, and his dark, frowning brow grewblacker as he answered:

"I know it, but I can ask nothing of him. The duke would ask the samequestions as the others. I dare not refuse him an answer, and I couldnot tell him the truth. "

"Nor me?" asked the prince, as he stepped up to his friend and placedhis hands on his shoulders. "Why do you wish to fight under the Germanflag?"

Hartmut drew his hand across his brow as if to smooth out something, then he answered with a gasp:

"Because it means deliverance or--death. "

"You return as great a mystery as when you went away, " said Egon, shaking his head. "You have avoided my questionings; can you not tell meyour secret now?"

"Only get me into the army and I'll tell you everything!" cried Rojanow, feverish with excitement. "I care not under what conditions, only get mein the army. Don't speak to the duke or to any of the generals, only getme into some subordinate command. Your name, your kinship to thereigning house will make your recommendation of great value. They willnot be captious when Prince Adelsberg solicits a place for a friend. "

"But they'll be sure to ask me the same questions they asked you. Youare a Roumanian--"

"No, no!" exclaimed Rojanow, passionately. "Have you never seen, neverfelt that--I am a German?"

The effect of this declaration was not so great as Hartmut had feared. 

The prince looked steadily at him for a minute, then he said:

"I have thought that for some time. The man who wrote 'Arivana' neverlearned the German language as part of his education; it was born inhim. But you bear the name of Rojanow--"

"That was my mother's name, she belonged to a Roumanian Bojarin family. My own name is--Hartmut von Falkenried. "

"Falkenried? That was the name of the Prussian officer who came fromBerlin with the secret despatches to the duke. Is he a kinsman ofyours?"

"He is my father. "

The prince glanced sympathetically at his friend, for he saw how itwrung his very soul to make this confession. He felt that here layhidden a family drama, and desirous to avoid all show of curiosityconcerning it, he only said:

"Take your own name as the son of your father; then every regiment inPrussia will be open to you. "

"No, that would close them forever--I ran away from the cadet academyover ten years ago. "

"Hartmut!" There was atone of horror in the exclamation. 

"Ah, you are like my father. You regard me as a criminal. You who werereared in freedom know naught of the severities and restraints of thatinstitution, of its tyrannies, to which every one within its walls hasto bow in blind obedience. I endured it as long as I could, then I leftit, for my soul demanded freedom and light. I appealed to my father invain; he but tightened the chains--so I tore them apart and went awaywith my mother. "

His manner was wild and excited as he told his short, fateful story; buthis eyes, anxious and watchful, never left his listener's face. Hisfather, with his fierce, severe code of honor, had cursed him, but hisfriend, who adored him, who had professed such a deep admiration for hisgenius, surely he would understand him, and how he had been driven totake such a step. But this friend was silent now, and in his silence layhis sentence. 

"And you, too, Egon?" In the tone of the questioner, who had waited along minute, and waited in vain for some word, there was inexpressiblebitterness. "You, who have so often said to me that nothing shouldhamper the poet's flight, that he must break all bonds which would bindhim to the earth. That's what I did, and it's what you would have donein my place. "

The young prince drew himself up proudly, and answered decisively:

"No, Hartmut, you are in error there! I would perhaps have escaped froma severe school, --but from military service never!"

There were again the same old hard words he remembered as a boy--"themilitary service"--"the service of arms!" All the blood in his bodyrushed to his head. 

"How did it happen you were not an officer?" continued Egon. "The cadetsare promoted while very young in the north! Then in a few years youcould have resigned. Just at the age, too, when life was beginning, andbeen free--with honor. "

Hartmut was dumb; that was what his father had said to him once, but hewould not wait. The barriers were an obstruction, and he threw themdown, not recking that he trampled duty and honor in the dust at thesame time. 

"You do not understand how many things pressed upon me at the time, " heexplained with difficulty. "My mother--I will not complain, but she hasbeen my fate. My father was divorced from her when I was little morethan a baby, and I thought she was dead. Then suddenly she appeared inmy life and I was tossed and torn by her hot mother love and herextravagant promises of freedom and happiness. She alone is accountablefor my broken word--"

"What broken word?" asked Egon, excitedly. "You had not yet taken theoath?"

"No, but I had promised my father to return, when he permitted me a lastinterview with my mother. "

"And instead of doing so, you ran away with her?"

"Yes. "

The answer was almost inaudible, and then followed a long pause. Theyoung prince spoke no word, but a deep, bitter pain lay on his sunnyface, the bitterest of his lifetime, for in this minute he lost thefriend he had loved so passionately. 

Hartmut began again, but did not look at his friend while he spoke. 

"Now you understand why I will force myself into the army at any price. On the battle-field I can expiate my boyhood's offense. When I saw inSicily that war was imminent, I flew in haste to Germany. I hoped to beable to enter the service at once. I did not dream of the difficultieswhich I should encounter; but you can help me if you will. "

"No, I cannot, " said Egon, coldly. "After what I now know it would be animpossibility. "

Hartmut grew pale to his very lips as he stepped excitedly before him. 

"You cannot? That means you will not. "

The prince was silent. 

"Egon"--there was a tone of wild entreaty in his voice. "You know I havenever asked a favor of you, this is the first and last, but now I beg, Iimplore your friendship. It is my release from the fatality which hasfollowed me since that hour. It means reconciliation to my father, reconciliation to myself--you must help me!"

"I cannot, " repeated the prince, solemnly. "The repulses which you havereceived are hard to bear, I doubt not, but they are right. You havebroken faith with your country and with duty. You fled from theservice--you, an officer's son--so it is closed against you--and youmust bear it. "

"And you say all this to me, so quietly, so coldly?" cried Hartmutfairly beside himself now. "This is a matter of life and death to me. Isaw my father for the first time in over ten years at Rodeck when hehurried to Wallmoden's death bed. He scourged me with contempt andfearful words. That was what drove me from Germany and sent me roamingthrough foreign lands, for his words went with me and changed my lifeinto hell. I hailed the war cry as my release. I would fight for theland I had once deserted. But you, you, who alone can open the door, shut it in my face. Egon, you turn from me; only one course is left!"

He turned with a movement of despair to the table on which the prince'spistols lay, but the latter pulled him back in affright:

"Hartmut! Are you mad?"

Egon was pale too, now, and his voice trembled as he said:

"I cannot let that happen, I will do my best to get you into someregiment!"

"At last I thank you!"

"I cannot promise anything, for I must keep it from the duke. He leavesto-morrow for the seat of war. If he learns later that you are in thearmy, the excitement of war may prevent him asking the why andwherefore. But it will be several days before I can know anythingdefinite. Will you be my guest until then?"

The prince had recovered his self-possession, and spoke as usual to hisold friend; but Hartmut understood the undertone in this question. 

"No, I will not remain in the city; I will go to the forestry at Rodeck. You can send me word there, and I'll be in the city in a few hours. "

"As you please. Will you not go to Rodeck castle?"

Hartmut give him a long, sorrowful glance. 

"No, I will stay at the forestry. Farewell, Egon. "

"Farewell!"

So they parted without one pressure of the hand, without one cordialword, these two who had been more than brothers, and as the door closedbetween them Hartmut knew that he had lost the dearest friend of hislife. Here, too, he had been judged and sentenced! Surely his punishmentwas being meted out to him with no scant measure!

CHAPTER XV. 

A dark, misty vapor enveloped the forest like a veil, and from time totime the rain fell in torrents. The tree tops swayed in the wind, andthe raw, wet atmosphere reminded one of November rather than ofmidsummer. 

The mistress of Ostwalden was in her forest home and alone; she hadreceived news from her brother telling her he would march at once, andas her journey to Berlin to see him would be futile, she had beenpersuaded to remain in the south until after Willibald's marriage. Themarriage had been a very quiet, simple affair, and Marietta hadaccompanied her husband to Berlin, where he was to join his regiment, and when he marched, she was to go to Burgsdorf, where her mother-in-lawwas again established. 

Early one morning Prince Adelsberg drove over to Ostwalden. 

He had obtained a day's leave that he might give some necessary ordersat Rodeck, but it was toward Ostwalden not Rodeck that he ordered thehorses' heads to be turned. He came to say good-bye to Adelheid, whom hehad not seen again since that first visit. 

When he reached Ostwalden, he found its mistress away on some errand ofmercy, and he was ushered into a reception room to await her return. Hepaced the room restlessly, thinking of many things, of the struggle forlife or death which lay before him, of the morrow's march, but mainly ofthe beautiful woman whose face had warmed with fire and sympatheticlight while discussing his friend, of her dignity, her goodness andgentleness, and his heart was filled with the hope that he might takewith him some word, some assurance to make him feel that when the strifewas over he could return to peace--and her. He had no foreboding thatthe warmth and fire had not been from sympathy with him. 

But in spite of everything, a shadow lay upon the sunny young face. Itwas not the war which troubled him, he went into that heart and soul, with no presentiments, and with all the ardor of youth. He dreamed andplanned a happy future when all the excitement and turmoil were over. 

Then the door opened and Frau von Wallmoden entered. 

"I beg your pardon for keeping your highness waiting so long, " she saidafter the first greeting. "The servants told you, perhaps, that a memberof the household was dying. "

"I heard that one of the men about the place was very ill, " Egonanswered as he hastened toward her. 

"Yes, poor Tanner. He was formerly a tutor somewhere in thisneighborhood, but his health failed, and Herr von Schönau recommendedhim to my late husband. He has been here ever since we bought the place. He told me the other day how thankful his mother was that he had so easya position. Since Herr von Wallmoden's death, nothing further has beendone towards a library here, and Tanner was to have had special chargeof that, so that except to act as my secretary occasionally, there hasbeen literally nothing for him to do. Only yesterday I obtained thenecessary papers for him to enter the army, and he was all enthusiasmover the prospect. This morning he had a severe hemorrhage, and now thephysician says he cannot live an hour. It seems terrible to see a younglife cut off so suddenly without any warning. " The young mistress sigheddeeply as she finished her sad little story. 

After a minute's pause, Egon said quietly:

"I have come to say good-bye. We march to-morrow or next day, and Icould not go without seeing you once again. I am fortunate in findingyou here; some one said you were going away. "

"Yes, I go to Berlin at once. Ostwalden is too isolated; I want to benear the centre where I can receive the latest news at this excitingtime. My brother fights for the flag, you know, and I must be where Ican hear from him. "

Again there was a short pause, and the prince was thinking how he shouldsay what lay nearest his heart, when Frau von Wallmoden asked aquestion, speaking indifferently, but with a slight falling in hervoice. 

"When I last saw your highness you were in doubt about your friend'swhereabouts. Has he given any signs of life yet?"

Egon's eyes fell to the ground, and the shadows which had disappearedwhen the baroness entered the room, come back now, darker than ever. 

"Yes!" he answered coldly. "Rojanow is again in Germany. "

"Since the declaration of the war?"

"Yes, he came--"

"In order to enter the army? O, I knew it!"

The prince looked at her in great surprise. 

"You knew it, baroness? I supposed you only knew Hartmut through me, andconsidered him a Roumanian!"

The young widow's face flushed as she realised how unwise she had beento make this outcry, but she answered quickly:

"I learned to know who Herr Rojanow was last winter when he was atRodeck. I have known his father, however, for many long years, andthe--I take it for granted that your highness knows the whole story?"

"Yes, I know it all, " said Egon in a hopeless tone. 

"Colonel Falkenried was a near friend of my father, and a constant guestat our house. I had never heard of his son, and took it for granted thathe was childless, until that frightful hour at Rodeck, on the day of myhusband's death. I was witness to the painful conversation betweenfather and son. "

The young prince breathed more freely; and an uncomfortable, suspiciousfeeling was set at rest for the moment. 

"Now I understand your interest and sympathy, " he responded. "ColonelFalkenried is to be pitied indeed. "

"Why he?" inquired Adelheid, struck by the hard tone. "And how aboutyour friend?"

"I have no friend. I have lost him, " cried Egon with a passionate burst. "What he told me two days ago made a break between us, but what I havesince heard has parted us forever. "

"You judge a seventeen year old boy--he could not have been mucholder--very severely. "

There was deep reproof in Adelheid's voice as she spoke, but the princeshook his head passionately. 

"I'm not speaking of his flight, or his broken word, though they wereboth bad enough, considering he was an officer's son, but what I learnedyesterday--I see, my dear madam, you do not know the worst. How shouldyou? I should not have spoken. "

"I beg your highness, " began Adelheid again, "to tell me the truth. Yousay that Rojanow has come back to enter the army. I am not surprised. Iexpected it, for it was the only thing left for him to do to expiate hisold fault. Does he march beneath our colors yet?"

"So far he has not been able to gain admission, and I have been saved afearful responsibility, " said Egon, with intense bitterness. "Heendeavored to get into several regiments but was refused every time. "

"Refused? And why?"

"Because he dared not acknowledge himself a German, and all strangers, especially Roumanians, are regarded with suspicion, and with justice, too. We can't be too cautious now, for fear of spies!"

"For God's sake, what do you mean by that?" exclaimed Adelheid, whobegan to see toward what Egon was drifting. He sprang up now in greatexcitement and came over to her side. 

"If you wish to know, then listen to me. Hartmut came to me and desiredme to use my influence to get him into one of our regiments. I refusedat first, but he finally forced me to promise to do my utmost with athreat which I now think he had no intention of carrying into execution. I kept my word, and went at once to a general officer whose brother hadbut recently returned from Paris where he was secretary of our legation. This gentleman was present at the time of my visit, and as soon as heheard the name of Rojanow, asked many questions and then told us--Icannot speak of it--I have loved Hartmut more than any one else in theworld, have almost adored him, his talents, his genius, and now I learnthat this friend, who was all in all to me, is but a miserable, lowwretch. He and his mother served as spies--spies, think of it--inParis. Perhaps he would do the same in our army, and that was his objectin striving to be admitted. "

He laid his hand over his eyes if to keep out the horrible picture. 

There was something inexpressibly sad in the young man's face and manneras he told how his idol had been shattered. Adelheid rose, andsupporting herself against a chair, spoke in an eager, excited, trembling tone. 

"And what did he say when you accused him?"

"Rojanow, do you mean? I haven't seen him again and do not intend to. Itis better to spare both him and me. He is at the Rodeck forestryawaiting an answer from me. I sent him three lines telling him what Ihad learned, without one word of comment. He has the letter by thistime, I suppose, and that will be sufficient explanation. "

"God help him!"

"You speak sympathetically, " said the prince, sneering. 

"Yes, for this is not the first time I have heard this terribleaccusation. His father threw it into his face during their interview. "

"Well, when his own father acknowledged the disgrace, surely--"

"He is a sadly injured, deeply embittered man, and could have nounbiased judgment; but you, Hartmut's friend, who stood so near him, should shield him from such an imputation!"

Egon looked with astonishment at the excited woman. 

"That evidently seems an easy matter to you, " he said slowly. "I couldnot do it. There was too much to condemn in Hartmut's life; he told memuch himself that had seemed mysterious before, and I can find noexcuse, no extenuating circumstances for his actions. Even hisdenunciation of--"

"Of his mother! She was the sword which hung over his head. It was shewho destroyed her son! But he knew nothing of the shameful depths towhich she had sunk; he lived with her but she concealed her life fromhim. I saw it, I knew it when his father hurled the dreadful accusationat him; he was as one struck by lightning. There was truth in the man'sdespairing cry. Whatever his youthful misdemeanors, his punishment inthat hour balanced them all. His flight, his broken promise, have robbedhim of a father, and of his dearest friend; but though they turn againsthim I will believe in him. Yes, to the death! Their charge is untrue, heis an innocent man. "

Adelheid was in a state of intense excitement now, her cheeks wereaflame, her voice and manner had that intense passion which love alonecan give. Egon stood and looked at her. There it was, the awaking tolove and life, of which he had so often dreamed; the sea of ice hadmelted forever, but for another. 

"I will not venture to decide whether you are right or not, my dearmadame, " he said, in a spiritless voice, after a second's pause. "I onlyknow one thing. Whether Hartmut be guilty or innocent, he is to beenvied in this hour!"

Adelheid drew back with a start. She understood the significance of hiswords, and her head sank before his pained, sorrowful glance. 

"I came to say good-bye, " continued Egon, "and to ask one question, onefavor--but it is fruitless to ask it now. I have only farewell to say toyou. "

Adelheid raised her eyes, in which the hot tears were standing, and heldout her hand to him. 

"Good-bye, " she said. "Good-bye. May Heaven protect you!"

The prince shook his head, and said with bitterness:

"What does it matter? I had thought to return--do not look at me sopleadingly. I have made a great mistake. I see it now, and I will notannoy you with my moaning, but Adelheid, I would willingly fall if Icould but inspire for a moment the feeling and passion which you reservefor another. God bless you! Good bye!"

He pressed her hand and was gone. 

A dreary afternoon. The wind had risen since the morning hours, andwhistled ominously through the tall forest trees; the clouds grew darkerand heavier, and the damp air was growing rawer and colder every moment. The sunshine of yesterday was forgotten in the gloom of to-day. Thefresh green leaves, torn by the rising storm from the tall, wavingbranches, fell in a swirl at the feet of the tall, dark man, who, withfolded arms, leaned against an old tree, utterly oblivious to thetempest which was gathering about him. 

Hartmut's face was deadly pale, and on it there lay a strange, unearthlyquiet; the fiery light was gone from those speaking eyes, and his hairlay wet and heavy upon his forehead. The storm had whirled his hat fromhis head, but he did not notice it, neither did he know that a heavyshower had drenched him to the skin. After wandering about in the woodsfor hours, he had at last found this spot--a fitting place to accomplishhis purpose. 

He had waited with feverish expectancy the message from Egon, and it hadcome. No letter, only three lines with the signature, "Egon, PrinceAdelsberg, " but these three lines, for him who received them, meant--theend of all things. Thrust out forever and despised! The friend his heartheld dear asking neither for confirmation nor denial, but condemninghim unheard. 

The crash of a mighty branch which had been broken in the whirlwind, aroused Hartmut from his brooding. He was not alarmed, and turned hishead slowly to look where the heavy branch had fallen. Only a few feetfrom him--why had it not struck him and ended his misery in a moment?How welcome was the thought of death. Such fatalities follow only thosewho love life. He who seeks death must accomplish it with his own hands. He took his gun from his shoulder and set the stock firmly in the groundand felt over his breast for the right place. He looked up at the veiledheavens, then down at the little lake with the deceptive, marshymeadow-lands beyond, with the old gray mist hovering over it as usual. 

He seemed to see again the will-o'-the-wisp darting in and out, thatspirit of the marsh at which he had often gazed in the long ago over hismother's shoulder, and while listening to her seductive words. He gaveno second look to the sky, no sign was in the heavens to-day to lead himup to higher planes. One shot through the heart and all would be over. 

He moved his hand to touch the trigger, when he heard a voice call hisname. It was a quick, desperate cry, and a figure tall and slender, enveloped in a dark storm cloak, rushed before him. The gun fell fromhis hands as he looked up to see Adelheid's face, white and despairing, looking into his own. 

Several minutes went by before either of them spoke. It was Hartmut whobroke the silence finally. 

"You here, my dear madame?" he asked, forcing himself to speak quietly. "Why are you abroad in such unseemly weather?"

Adelheid looked at the weapon which had fallen at her feet andshuddered. 

"I might ask you the same question, " she answered. 

"I started out for a hunt, but this is no day for sport. I was justemptying my gun, when you--"

He did not finish, for her pained, reproving glance told him that allsubterfuge was useless--he broke off and gazed gloomily before him. Adelheid too, abandoned any attempt at an ordinary conversation. Hervoice was trembling and her face white as death, as she said: "Herr vonFalkenried--God help us, what would you have done?"

"That which would have been finished now, had you not interfered, " saidHartmut, in a hard tone. "Believe me, dear madame, it would have beenbetter if accident had brought you here five minutes later. "

"It was no accident. I was at the Rodeck forestry and heard that you hadbeen gone several hours; a terrible suspicion took possession of me anddrove me to follow you. I was almost certain I should find you here. "

"You were seeking me? Me, Ada?" His voice trembled with emotion as heasked the question. "How did you learn that I was at the forestry?"

"Through Prince Adelsberg, who was with me to-day. You received a letterfrom him this morning?"

"No, only some intelligence, " responded Hartmut, with drawn lips. "Thefew short lines contained no word directed personally to me, onlybusiness, only a communication which the prince thought necessary tomake--I understood it!"

Adelheid was silent; she had felt sure that those few lines would be asdeath to him. Slowly she stepped toward him in the shadow of a greattree, the wind blew so fiercely that it was a necessity to have suchprotection as the trees could afford; Hartmut did not seem to noticeits increasing fury. 

"I see that you know what those few lines contained, " he began again, "but it was not new to you. You heard it all at Rodeck. Ada, when I sawyou standing in the shimmering, ghostly light on that frightful night, and knew that you had seen me trampled in the dust--even my own father, who loathes me, would have been satisfied with my punishment. "

"You do him injustice, " said Frau von Wallmoden, earnestly. "You saw himonly when he was thrusting you from him with such iron relentlessness. Isaw him afterwards when you had disappeared. He broke into the wildestanguish and I caught a glimpse of the father's heart which loved his sonabove all else on earth. Have you made no effort since then to convincehim?"

"No, he would believe me as little as did Egon. He who has once brokenhis word destroys all belief in himself, no matter though he afterwardsgive his life in defense of truth. Had I met my death upon thebattle-field, perhaps his eyes and Egon's would have been opened. Nowwhen I fall by my own hand, the few who know my life will say, 'it washis guilt which drove him to despair, and forced him to commit thedeed. '"

"No, " said Adelheid softly, "one would not say it. I believe in youHartmut, despite everything. "

He looked at her, and through the gray hopelessness of despair a gleamof the old light shone forth. 

"You, Ada? And you tell me this on the very spot where you condemned me?At that time, too, you knew nothing--"

"That was why I had a horror of the man to whom nothing was holy, whoknew no law but his own passions; but when I saw you pleading at yourfather's feet, I felt fate rather than guilt had led you astray. Sincethen I have known that you could not throw aside that unfortunateheritage of your mother. Rouse yourself, Hartmut! The way which I showedyou then is yet open. Whether it leads to life or death--it leads onwardand upward. "

Hartmut shook his head darkly!

"No, that has all gone by now. You do not know what my father did for mewith his frightful words, what my life has been since then; but I willbe silent, no one would understand. I thank you for your belief in me, Ada. My death will be easier. "

"God help us! You dare not do it. "

"What value has life for me?" said Hartmut with great excitement. "Mymother has marked me with a brand as of seething iron, and that markcloses every door to atonement, to salvation. I am alone, condemned, thrust out from my own countrymen. Why, even the poorest peasant canfight; that right is denied only to the criminal without honor, and suchI am in Egon's eyes. He fears that I would only join with my owncountrymen to betray them, to--be a spy!" He put his hands over hisface, and his last words died out in a groan. Then he felt a hand laidgently on his arm. 

"The stigma lies in the name of Rojanow. Abandon that name, Hartmut. Ibring you that for which you so ardently long--your admission to thearmy. "

Hartmut gazed in unutterable astonishment at the speaker. 

"Impossible! How could you?"

"Take these papers, " said Adelheid, drawing out a long sealed envelopewhich she carried under her cloak. "You will answer the description ofJoseph Tanner, twenty-nine years old, slender, dark complexion, darkhair and eyes. It's all right, you see; no one will question your rightwith these papers. "

She handed him the envelope which she held with a convulsive grasp, asif it were a costly treasure. 

"And these papers?" he asked doubting yet. 

"Belonged to the dead! They were given me for one who will not use themnow, for he died to-day; and I will be forgiven if I save the living bytheir use. "

Hartmut tore open the envelope, the wind nearly blew the papers from hishand, so that it was with difficulty he could master their contents, while the baroness continued:

"Joseph Tanner had a small office at Ostwalden. This morning he had anunusually severe hemorrhage and died an hour after. Poor fellow, he hadonly time to leave a message with me for his old mother. I shall sendher everything belonging to him, except these papers, which I, myself, obtained for him, and these I have kept for you. We rob no one; theywould be of no use whatever to the mother. A severe judge might questionmy right, but I take all responsibility. God and my fatherland willforgive me. "

Hartmut folded the papers carefully and hid them in his breast, then hethrew the wet locks back from his broad forehead, his father's forehead, for that mark of the Falkenried blood was patent to the most carelessobserver. 

"You are right, Ada. I can never thank you enough for what you have doneto-day, but I will strive to deserve it!"

"I know that. God guard you from danger, and now good-bye. "

"No, you cannot wish that for me!" said Hartmut sadly. "This battle oflife and death into which I go can ease my own conscience of a load, butmy father and Egon will never know, if I live, that I have fought for mycountry, and the old stain will still be there. But if I fall, then youcan tell them that I fought under a strange name, and am at rest, perhaps under foreign soil. They will at least have some respect for mygrave. "

"You would fall?" asked Ada, with sad reproof in her voice. "Even if Itell you that your death will be mine too?"

"Yours, Ada?" he cried excitedly, "and do you no longer turn inabhorrence from my love, from the fate which threw us together? Topossess you would be my highest glory, for you are free. Such joy comesto me now, only for a single fleeting minute, and then ascends again tounattainable heights, like the prophetess of my drama who bore yourname. No matter; it is with me now in this moment of parting. "

He drew her to him and pressed a kiss on her brow, while she broke intoa passion of tears on his shoulder. 

"Hartmut, promise me that you will not seek death. "

"No, but it will seek me! Good-bye, my own, good-bye. "

He tore himself from her, and rushed away through the storm. She stoodstill, leaning in her turn against the old tree, whose branches tossedtheir arms and kept time to the moaning and shrieking winds which playedat hide and seek through the leafy foliage. But suddenly in the west, through a rent in the angry clouds, shone a purple ray. It was only fora minute, only a single lost beam of the descending sun, but it lightedup the woodland height and beamed across the face of the departing man, as he turned back once to wave a last adieu. Then the dark clouds metagain, and hid the light--the last greeting of the setting sun. 

The red, flickering firelight lit up the interior of a small house whichhad formerly been the home of a signal man, but now served asheadquarters for the officers of the advanced guard. The room madeanything but a comfortable impression, with its cold, rough, whitewashedwalls, low ceilings and narrow barred windows; the heavy logs of woodwhich blazed and crackled in the clumsy stone fire-place, threw out agrateful warmth, for the weather was bitter cold and the ground coveredwith snow. The regiments which lay here were little better off thanthose before Paris although these belonged to the army of the South. 

Two young officers entered the room, and one, as he held the door openfor his comrade, said with a laugh: "You'll have to stoop here, for theentrance to our villa is somewhat out of repair. "

The warning was not unnecessary, for the tall figure of the guest, aPrussian Lieutenant of Reserves, had need to stoop to avoid the loose, overhanging plaster. His companion who was doing the honors, wore theuniform of a South German regiment. 

"Permit me to offer you a chair in our salon, " he continued. "Not so badafter all, considering everything; we'll have worse than this before thecampaign is over. You are looking for Stahlberg. He is at an outpostnear here with one of my comrades, but he'll certainly be back soon. Youwon't have to wait above fifteen minutes. "

"I'll wait with pleasure, " responded the Prussian. "Eugen's wound wasnot very serious, I judge. I looked for him in the hospital and heardthat he had gone on a visit to the outpost, but would probably be backshortly, so I thought I'd come over and see him at once. "

"The wound was but a slight one, a shot in the arm, but not deep; it'salmost healed now, but Stahlberg cannot use it in active service forsome time yet. You are acquainted with him?"

"Oh, yes, I was a kinsman of his sister's late husband. I see you donot remember me. My name is Willibald von Eschenhagen. I have met yourhighness several times in past years. "

"At Fürstenstein!" exclaimed Egon with animation. "Certainly, now Iremember you well, but it is wonderful what a change the uniform makesin one's appearance. I didn't recognize you at all at first. "

He cast an admiring, surprised glance at the tall, handsome man whom hehad once ridiculed as a cabbage grower, but who looked so brave andmanly in his military dress. It was not the uniform which had so alteredWillibald; love, camp life and entire change from the old monotonousexistence had done it. The young heir was no longer a "weak tool, " ashis uncle Schönau had called him, but a brave, determined, genuine man. 

"Our former meetings have been but fleeting, " the prince went on, "soyou must forgive the liberty if I offer you my congratulations; you arebetrothed, I believe to--"

"I believe your highness is laboring under a mistake, " Willibaldinterrupted him, with some embarrassment. "When I last saw you atFürstenstein I was to be the future son of that house, but--"

"That's all changed, " interrupted Egon, laughing. "I know all about itfrom a comrade of mine, Lieutenant Walldorf, who is to marry yourcousin, Fräulein von Schönau. My words had reference to FräuleinMarietta Volkmar. "

"Now Frau von Eschenhagen. "

"What! you are a married man?"

"And have been for five months. We were married just before I marched, and my wife is at Burgsdorf with my mother. "

"Then I can congratulate you upon your marriage. But seriously, HerrComrade, I ought to call you to account for your robbery of an artistfrom our midst. Please tell your wife that the whole city is insackcloth and ashes over her loss. "

"I will tell her, although I think the city has no time for such lightsorrows now. Ah, there are the gentlemen! I hear Eugen's voice. "

There they were, true enough. They entered just as Willibald ceasedspeaking. Young Stahlberg greeted his friend with a joyous cry ofsurprise. They had not seen each other since the war began, though theywere in the same army corps. Eugen's arm was in a sling, otherwise helooked well and happy. He had none of his sister's beauty, neither hadhe the strength and earnestness of expression which had been her legacyfrom their father. The son seemed, to judge from his appearance, of anamiable and yielding, rather than a strong nature; but notwithstandingall this he resembled his sister strongly, and that was the secret ofEgon's friendship for him. His companion was a handsome young officer, with keen, merry eyes, and as he stepped into the room the princeintroduced him to Willibald. 

"I need not fear a duel when I mention your names to one another, " hesaid laughing. "You'll have to meet some day. Herr von Eschenhagen--Herrvon Walldorf. "

"Bless me! I at least declare for peace!" cried Walldorf gaily. "Herrvon Eschenhagen, I am rejoiced to know my future wife's cousin, who gotahead of us at the altar. We, too, wanted a marriage from the saddle, but my future father-in-law assumed his fiercest look and declared:'First conquer, and then marry. ' Now we've been doing the former for thelast five months, and when I go home again I'll see to the latter. "

He shook Toni's cousin warmly by the hand, then turning to the prince, said:

"We have something here for you. Orderly from Rodeck, present yourselfbefore his highness, Herr lieutenant, Prince Adelsberg. "

Through the open door came a tall figure which Egon recognized as thatof his old, gray-haired steward. He closed the door cautiously, and cameforward into the room. 

"Saints preserve us, it's Peter Stadinger!" It was, indeed, old Peterwho stood in front of his master. He was not unknown to the otherofficers, either, for they all greeted him with a shout. 

"Well, we must have lights now, that your highness may have a good viewof this old 'ghost of the woods, '" cried Walldorf, as he lit twocandles and placed them with comic gravity before the old man. Egonlaughed as he said:

"You see, Stadinger, what a prominent personage you are, and how much Italk about you; now I'll present you in all form; here, gentlemen, isPeter Stadinger, noted for his unfailing incivility and his everlastingmoral lectures. He thinks that I need both to keep me in order and evenhere in the field he has followed me in order that he might keep up thefriendly custom. I trust he pleases you, my masters--now you can let mego, Peter. "

But instead of obeying this order, the old man held his two hands allthe more firmly, while he said in a tone of deep emotion: "Ah, yourhighness, you cannot know how anxious we have been about you at Rodeck. "

The prince answered him impatiently: "Indeed, and that's why you haverun away and left things at sixes and sevens at Rodeck, despite all mysolemn charges? I had not thought you would be so neglectful of duty. "

Stadinger looked at him quite puzzled. 

"But I came on receipt of your letter telling me to do so. You wrote meto fetch Lois from the hospital, so I started at once. I saw the boythis morning, and found him as gay as he could be, but he can't be movedfor a week, the doctor said; then I am to take him home. What yourhighness, and Lois, and all the rest from Rodeck would have done if Ihad not stayed home to guard and control--God alone knows. "

Egon drew his hand back impatiently. 

"I am Herr Lieutenant here, and have no other title but my military one, remember that! and here you are as meek as a lamb, when I counted on afine sermon for the benefit of us all. Lois, gentlemen, is the grandsonof this old growler, a fine, brave fellow, and he has a sister as sweetas a peach. But her grandfather sends her away regularly the minute Iset foot in Rodeck. Why didn't you bring Zena with you, and let her seea little of the world?"

The old man, notwithstanding his desire for peace, threw back his headat this interrogatory, and answered with all the old acerbity:

"I believed your highness had no time for folly now. "

"You made a mistake then. We lead the wildest kind of a life in thearmy, and when I go home again--"

"Your highness has promised to marry, " finished the steward in such animpressive manner that the officers all shouted. Egon joined in, butsomething was wanting in his merriment, and in his answer too. 

"Yes, yes, I've promised that, sure enough, but I have many matters tosettle in the meantime, I'll keep my word in ten years, or perhaps intwenty--perhaps never!"

Stadinger listened to his highness's words--not for worlds would he haveobeyed the order to call him Herr lieutenant--and his face darkened. 

"I almost thought as much, for when your highness really does plan forthe future your plans don't last twenty-four hours. Your blessed fathermarried, and I married, and all men marry, and it's the only way to cureyou of your foolishness, and--"

"Now gentlemen, the sermon's coming, " laughed Egon good-naturedly. Hewas not far wrong, for Stadinger spoke his mind as usual, and to thepoint too, so that before he finished the officers felt he had the bestof it against the prince. After half an hour's chatter, Willibald andEugen Stahlberg rose to go. As they bade good-night to the prince hesaid:

"You push on to-morrow, I hear?"

"Yes, we march to R---- at daybreak to meet Major General vonFalkenried and his brigade. We'll be some days on the way, I fancy, forthe whole of this region is infested with the enemy, and our next movewill depend upon theirs, " answered Willibald. 

"Then tell the general, Will, that I'll be there at latest in a week, "said Eugen. "It's pretty bad to have to stay behind on account of ascratch that's not worth talking about. In another week I'll be allright. I don't care what the doctor says, and I hope to join my regimentbefore you take R----. "

"We'll have to be active now, " said Egon, "for resistance doesn'tcontinue long where General von Falkenried commands. He's always firstwith his men and has been victorious beyond belief. It seems as if nodifficulties were too great for him to surmount. "

"He seems to stand at the head, " answered Lieutenant Walldorf. "He maytake R---- while we are lying here idle; perhaps he has taken italready. No news can reach us with the enemy between. "

He rose to accompany his departing comrades a short distance, while theprince remained behind by the fire. He folded his arms and lookedvacantly at the burning logs, but the expression of his face was not inaccord with the gaiety he had exhibited before his friends. It was darkand gloomy, and all light and happiness seemed gone out of it. He hadforgotten Stadinger's presence until the latter gave a little cough, then he turned and said:

"Ah, you are there yet, are you? Tell Lois I asked for him, and that Iwill see him to-morrow some time. I'll see you again, of course, foryou'll have to wait several days for him. You didn't think we had such afine time here, did you? No need to take life hard just because we maylose it any day. "

The old man looked keenly at his master. 

"Yes, the gentlemen were jolly enough, and you were the ring-leader, but--your highness is not gay now. "

"I? What's the matter now? Why shouldn't I be gay?"

"I don't know, but I see you are not happy, " declared Stadinger. "Whenyou were at Rodeck with Herr Rojanow you were quite different. As youstood looking into the fire just now I could see that something lay onyour heart. "

"Don't bother me with your observations, " exclaimed Egon impatiently. "Do you think I should never have a serious thought, when it may be wego into battle to-morrow?"

Then he resumed his old position, and Stadinger, though silent, wasunconvinced. He knew full well that something was the matter with hismaster, that it was no thought of battle which clouded his sunny face. The door opened and Lieutenant Walldorf entered without closing it. 

"Come in, " he cried to some one behind him. "Here's an orderly from theseventh regiment with some information. Come in, orderly!"

Walldorf repeated his invitation to enter in an impatient tone. Thesoldier who stood on the threshold of the door had hesitated, and made amovement to retreat into the darkness again. Now he obeyed; he remainedclose to the door, his face in the shadow. 

"You come from the outpost yonder on chapel mountain?" questionedWalldorf. 

"At your service, Herr lieutenant. "

Egon, who had turned round indifferently when the soldier entered, started as he heard the voice. He took a hasty step forward, then haltedsuddenly, as if he remembered something, but his glance embraced thestranger with a look almost of horror. He was, as far as one could seein the semi-darkness, a tall young soldier wrapped in the coarse mantleof the private, with a helmet over his closely cut black hair. He stoodstiff and immovable, and gave his message minutely. His voice had asuppressed, almost suffocated tone. 

"I come from Herr Captain Salfeld!" he announced. "We have seized asuspicious looking man, dressed as a peasant, but probably from therelief corps, who was sneaking into the fortress. There was some writingfound on him. "

"Come over closer, " ordered Walldorf sharply. "I can't hear you overthere by the door. "

The soldier obeyed at once, and stepped up to the officers. Thefirelight gleamed full upon the face, which was pallid, and on thetightly compressed lips, but not on the eyes, for they seemed fastenedto the ground. 

Egon's hand seized the hilt of his sabre with convulsive grasp; it wasall he could do not to cry out, while Stadinger stared at the man withwide open eyes. 

"There was some writing found on him, but it was of no consequence, norwhat he told by word of mouth either. Now the Herr Captain wants to knowwhether he shall send the prisoner here, or to headquarters, for hethinks there is more in the papers than meets the eye. "

There was nothing uncommon in this message. Suspicious characters werearrested daily, particularly from the relief corps, but Prince Adelsberghesitated, as if he feared the sound of his own voice, then he gave theanswer:

"Tell the Herr Captain to send the prisoner here. We relieve the guardin two hours, and he can be taken on to headquarters at once. "

"I hope we can make the churl say something, " said Walldorf. "Many acoward loses his hold when he knows there's a court martial ahead ofhim. Well, we'll see. "

The soldier stood waiting for his dismissal; not a muscle of his facemoved, but he never lifted his eyes. Egon had recovered himself now, andhe asked, in his coldest, most distant tones:

"You belong to the seventh regiment?"

"At your service, Herr lieutenant. "

"Your name?"

"Joseph Tanner. "

"Forced into service?"

"No, a volunteer. "

"Since when?"

"Since the thirtieth of July. "

"You have been through the whole campaign?"

"At your service, Herr lieutenant. "

"Very well. You can take my message to the Captain. "

The soldier saluted and left the room. Walldorf had been a littlesurprised at this examination, but gave no second thought to it. Helooked after the retreating figure and said as he shrugged hisshoulders: "The men on Chapel hill have the devil's own time. They haveno rest day or night, and have to exert themselves to the utmost. Thepoor fellows have to work in the hard frozen trenches until the sweatruns from their faces and their hands are covered with blood. Fightingis the only relief they get. "

He stepped into another room to order the watch for the expectedprisoner, and to make some additional arrangements. Egon threw open thewindow and leaned out--he felt he was suffocating. Then he heardStadinger's voice behind him in a half-whisper as though he were toofrightened to speak out loud. 

"Your highness!"

"What is it?" the prince answered without turning around. 

"But didn't your highness see--?"

"See what?"

"The orderly, who was just here--that was Herr Rojanow, as sure as helives and breathes. "

Egon saw that presence of mind was necessary here; he turned and saidcoldly: "I believe you see ghosts!"

"But, your highness--"

"Nonsense! only a passing resemblance. I noticed it myself. That's why Iasked the man his name. You heard him say his name was Tanner!"

"Yes, but it was Herr Rojanow for all that, " said Stadinger, whose sharpeyes were not to be deceived. "To be sure the black locks were gone, andthe proud, independent manner, but his voice was, the same!"

"Do cease your senseless chatter, " said Egon violently. "You know verywell that Herr Rojanow is in Sicily, and now you find him in an orderlyof the seventh regiment. It is really laughable. "

Stadinger was silent; everything that he said was laughable orimpossible. The prince was only vexed because he had discovered that hisfriend was only a common soldier. To be sure the Herr Rojanow of Rodeck, who ordered every one around, even the prince himself, and the orderlywhom Lieutenant Walldorf ordered to come forward because he didn't speakloud enough, were as far apart as heaven and earth. If it had not beenfor the voice!

"Then your highness, you think--" Stadinger began again. 

"I think you're an old ghost-hunter, " said Egon gently. "Go to yourquarters and get a good night's rest after your journey; otherwiseyou'll be discovering resemblances throughout the wholegarrison--good-night!"

Stadinger obeyed, and left for his own quarters at once. He shook hishead as he went--he was by no means satisfied with his master'speremptory dismissal of the subject. 

The prince paced the little room in great excitement as soon as he wasalone. His former friend had forced his way into the armynotwithstanding. Joseph Tanner! He remembered perfectly to whom the namehad belonged, and knew only too well whose hand had opened the way forHartmut. What will not a woman do for the man she loves, what price willshe not pay? She had even sent him into danger in order that he might bereconciled to life and himself. 

Jealousy, fierce and wild, filled Egon's heart at these thoughts, andabove all rose the fearful suspicion of the man's fidelity to his flagand country. Was his presence at the dangerous outpost an answer tosuspicions, or was it a cloak to hide secret machinations?

Then the prince thought of the pale, dark face which had been so dear tohim, and with a motion of torture, he tried to put the memory from him. He knew, none so well, Hartmut's intense pride, and this pride wasdragged in the dirt day after day in the degrading position which heoccupied. 

He had heard of the ceaseless labor on Chapel hill, of the days andnights employed in digging trenches, of the worn bodies, the bleedinghands. That was what Rojanow did now, the same Rojanow who had had acity at his feet one short year before, who had been the honored guestat princely boards, whose successful work had not only placed the laurelwreath on his brow, but had brought him a fortune as well. And besidesall this, he was General von Falkenried's son. 

Egon's breast heaved violently as he thought of it all. Then his lostconfidence came back to him slowly, and banished the unjust doubts. Hartmut was atoning now for his boyish folly. As for the rest, hismother, and she alone, was to blame. 

It was about nine o'clock in the evening when the prince left hisquarters in order to visit the commandant. He did not go on an affair ofservice, but in answer to an invitation from the general, who had beenan old friend of his father, and had looked after the son, since thecampaign began, with fatherly solicitude. Egon would have given much tobe alone this evening, for his meeting with Hartmut had moved himdeeply, but a soldier has little time for brooding, and an invitationfrom a commanding officer must not be set aside. 

As the young prince went into the house he met an adjutant coming out, who explained breathlessly that there was bad news, but that the generalwould tell him all. 

The general was alone, and was pacing the room in great excitement, gesticulating and muttering as he went. 

"Ah, Prince Adelsberg, is it you?" he exclaimed, halting in his walk asEgon entered the room. "I can't promise you a pleasant evening, for wehave had intelligence which destroys all sociability for us to-night. "

"The adjutant said something about trouble, " answered Egon. "What is it, your excellency? The despatches at midday were very favorable. "

"I only got the news an hour ago. The man you sent to headquartersto-night as a suspicious character had it all. Do you know what he hadwith him?"

"Captain Salfeld sent word he had papers of little importance, apparently, but thought they might contain some secret advices; ofcourse, a spy would not carry anything in writing that looked suspiciouson the surface. "

"Well, the papers were most important. The man was a coward, naturally, and when he was threatened with a bullet, he revealed all, and, alas! wecannot doubt the truth of his statements. You may remember a few lineson a slip of paper which read that one had better in an extreme casefollow the heroic example of the commanding general before R----. "

"Yes, I didn't understand that, for the fort will have to surrendersoon. General von Falkenried said he hoped to take it to-morrow. "

"Yes, and I fear he will do it!" answered the General, excitedly. 

"You fear, your excellency?"

"Yes, there's been treachery, there's been foul villainy at work! Theywill surrender the fort, and then as soon as their garrison have beentaken off as prisoners of war, and our men occupy the citadel, it willbe blown up. "

"God help us!" cried the young prince, excitedly. "Cannot GeneralFalkenried be warned?"

"I fear we cannot possibly do it. I have already sent warnings by twodifferent ways, but our direct course to R---- is cut off. The enemyholds the mountain pass, and it is quite impossible for the messengersto reach the place in time. "

Egon was silent for a moment. 

The pass was obstructed by the enemy. He knew that Eschenhagen'sregiment was going forward to open it, but that would not be done for aday or two. 

"We have thought of everything, " continued the general, "but there isn'tthe faintest hope of doing anything. Falkenried will force them toclose, he never turns back, and then he and hundreds, yes, thousands, ofhis men, will perish. "

He began his walk again, too excited to keep still. But the young princestood by helpless; then a sudden bright thought entered his mind. 

"Your excellency?"

"Well?"

"If it were possible in spite of everything, to send the despatches bythe mountain path--a good rider could get to R---- by to-morrowmorning; to be sure he'd have to ride for life or death--dash rightthrough the enemy. "

"What folly! You are a soldier and should know that such a course wouldbe madness. The boldest rider would be shot down before he had been gonean hour. "

"But if one could find the man who would make the attempt? I know a manwho would do it. "

The general scowled at the young man. 

"Do you mean that you would venture upon this useless exposure? I forbidit, once for all, Prince Adelsberg. I pride myself upon my officers'bravery, but I cannot permit any such senseless experiments. "

"I do not mean myself, your excellency, " said Egon, earnestly. "The manwhom I mean is in the seventh regiment, and is at this moment on outpostduty on Chapel mountain. It was he who brought me word of the prisoner. "

The general shook his head thoughtfully. 

"I tell you it's impossible, but--who is the man?"

"Joseph Tanner. "

"A private?"

"Yes, a volunteer. "

"You know something about him?"

"Yes, your excellency; he is perhaps the best rider in the wholearmy, --bold to a fault and capable enough, in case of necessity, to actwith the caution of an officer. If the thing can be done, that man'll doit. "

"And you believe--it's a terrible responsibility to ask a man to ride tosure death--you believe the man will do it freely--willingly?"

"I'll swear he will, your excellency. "

"Then I dare not refuse, though it's a fearful venture. I'll send forTanner at once. "

"May I take the order to him?" interrupted Egon, quickly. The generalturned in surprise and looked at him. 

"You, yourself, do you mean? Why?"

"Only to save time. The way which Tanner must take lies over Chapelmountain; before he'd get to headquarters and back again to his startingplace an hour would be lost. "

There was nothing to be said in answer to this, and yet the general feltthere was something about the whole affair which he did not understand. A common soldier rarely undertook, voluntarily, a mission which drovehim into the arms of death, but the old warrior asked no furtherquestions, he only said: "You will be responsible for the man?"

"Yes, " said Egon, quietly but emphatically. 

"Good, then you can give him all the necessary instructions; there isone thing more; he must have credentials if he ever reaches our ownposts, for any detention would be fatal where every minute counts. "

He turned to his writing table, and after setting his seal to a paper, handed it to the prince. 

"Here are the necessary papers, and these are the despatches for GeneralFalkenried. Let me know at once whether Tanner was willing to go ornot. "

"I'll let your excellency know immediately. "

Egon hurried to his own quarters, where he ordered his horse to besaddled. In five minutes he was off for Chapel mountain. 

Chapel mountain, which the German troops had so christened from thelittle church which stood on its summit, was one of a subordinate rangeof hills, which traversed the country in the region where the army corpsof the South were quartered. The little church lay desolate and lonely, half buried in the deep snow. Priest and sacristan were gone long since, and the house of God bore traces of demolition, for a deadly battle hadbeen fought on this height. The walls were standing and part of thepointed roof; the rest had been carried away by shot and shell, and thewind whistled through the shattered windows. Ice and snow covered thesurrounding wood, and a faint half-moon lit up the whole with aghastly, uncertain light. 

It was a bitter cold night, like that memorable one at Rodeck. A deepred flame lit up the horizon, but it was no northern light this time, nopurple glow to lessen the gloom, it was the signal of war, the deep, blood-red flash such as went up from every village and hamlet inGermany, rousing men to action, waving them on to battle and--to death!

A single guard stood at one of the lonely outposts--Hartmut vonFalkenried. His eyes were fixed on distant watch fires which from timeto time sent up their showers of sparks to heaven. In the distance, warmth and light, here, ice and night. The cold which had been intenseall day strengthened with the night, and seemed to freeze out all lifefrom the solitary watch on duty. True there were other sentinels, atvarious posts, but they were not accustomed to winters in the Orient orin Sicily. Hartmut had spent no winters in the north since his boyhood'sdays, and the cold seemed to freeze the very blood in his veins. 

A deadly languor came over him, which was not the forerunner of sleep;it crept into the limbs and closed the heavy eyelids. He fought it offbravely, but it would return again and again as the icy air grew colder. He knew what it meant and struggled bravely against it. Surely he wouldnot freeze to death. 

His glance turned, as if seeking strength, to the little half-ruinedhouse of God. What were church and altar to him? He had cast all belieffrom him long ago. Death was an eternal night, and life alone could givehim all he wished, full expiation of his early fault, the woman heloved, the poet's crown, his father's blessing! But here he stood at hispost waiting an inglorious death, which he felt would meet him ere thenight was over. He would not swerve from duty, death might seek him andfind him--on guard. 

Then in the distance he heard steps and voices which came nearer; theywaked him up from the lethargy into which he had fallen. He arousedhimself and grasped his gun more firmly, though he knew it was some onefrom his own regiment. What was it? The hour of redemption was close athand though he knew it not. A few minutes later a corporal with anotherman stood before him. 

"Picket! Orders from headquarters brought by an officer!" cried thecorporal. The relief had come! The man who but a second since stood onthe bleak, dreary shore of despair, felt himself recalled to life at thesound. 

He started to follow the corporal, when the other man, an officer also, stepped forward. 

"Let the corporal go on. I wish to speak to you alone, Tanner. Followme!"

Prince Adelsberg, who wished no witnesses, stepped into the littlechurch, and Hartmut followed him. The pale moonlight entering throughthe open window showed only disorder and confusion. The roof had beenpierced by a cannon ball, which had shattered pulpit and desk as well;only the little altar, in its quiet niche, remained undisturbed. 

Egon stepped into the middle of the room, then he turned and said:

"Hartmut!"

"Herr lieutenant?"

"Drop that now; we are alone. I did not think we would see one anotherso soon again. "

"And I hoped it would have been spared me, too, " said Hartmut gloomily. "You come--"

"From headquarters, I heard that you were on picket duty on Chapelmountain. A fearful night for such a service. "

Hartmut was silent. No need to say that had he not been roused it wouldhave been his last. Egon glanced uneasily at him; despite the uncertainlight he saw how exhausted and spent the man before him was as he leanedagainst a pillar as if needing support. 

"I came with a commission which you can accept or not as you see fit, "he began again. "The thing is almost impossible, would be altogether sofor any one but you. You have the courage, but whether, after all yourexertions you have the strength, is another question. "

"A quarter of an hour of warmth and some refreshment will bring back mystrength. What is it?"

"A ride of life and death. To take some intelligence to R---- throughthe mountain pass just where the enemy lies. "

"To the front!" cried Hartmut; "that's where--"

"General Falkenried is with his brigade. He is lost if the news does notreach him. We put the means of saving his life in the hands of his son!"

Hartmut grasped his friend's arm. He was all excitement and anxiety inan instant. 

"I can save my father? I? What has happened? What am I to do?"

"Listen. The prisoner which you sent to us this evening has made someterrible revelations. The fort is to be blown up after the surrender, assoon as the French garrison are out and our men are in it. The generalhas sent two messengers--but they take round-about ways and will neverreach there in time. Your father intends to seize the fort to-morrow. Hemust be warned in time, and there's but one way. The news must gothrough the mountain pass which the enemy hold; that is the only chanceto reach our friends. But that way--"

"I know it. Our regiment marched through it two weeks ago before theenemy had taken it, " cried Hartmut. 

"All the better! You must of course lay aside your uniform. "

"I only need exchange my cloak and helmet. If I had stayed here I'd havebeen dead in a few hours; now if I ride fast enough I have one chance. If I only had a good horse. "

"That is ready for you, I brought my own Arabian, Sadi, with me. Youknow him well, have ridden him often. He'll fly like a bird on a nightlike this, he'll need no whip to spur him on. "

The conversation was whispered in stormy haste, and the prince handedhim the papers. 

"Here is the general's order which you present when you reach oursentinels, and here are the dispatches. Take a half hour to get somewarmth and strength into your body, then you can start. "

"Do you think I want rest or warmth?" cried Hartmut, the old Hartmutagain. "When I break down now it will be from the enemy's bullet. Ithank you Egon for this hour, in which you have at last, at last, exonerated me from a fearful suspicion!"

"And in which I send you to your death, " said the prince gently. "Wemust not hide the truth from ourselves--only a miracle can save you. "

"A miracle?" Hartmut's glance sought the altar which the flickeringmoonlight revealed. He had ceased to pray long years ago, and yet inthis moment a hot, speechless prayer went up to Heaven for strength toaccomplish this miracle. "If I can only save my father then I amcontent!"

In the next second he turned, and Egon, who had put new life into himand given him back his courage, said gently:

"And now let us say good-bye! God bless you, Hartmut!"

The two friends clung to one another in a last embrace. All that hadcome between them was lost sight of forever, and the old, warm love wasmightier than ever in this last hour, for they both felt that it was afarewell for all time. 

Scarcely fifteen minutes later a rider dashed out of the camp. Theslender Arab's hoofs hardly touched the ground over which it sped; in awild gallop it went on over the snow-covered ground, through theice-clad forest, over frozen streams, on, on, into the mountain pass!

CHAPTER XVI. 

The following day brought clear, frosty weather. The intense cold hadabated and the sun shone out warm and bright. Eugen Stahlberg andLieutenant Walldorf, free from duty for the time being, were in PrinceAdelsberg's quarters. Walldorf had been thrown from his horse theprevious evening, and his hand had been injured, and this prevented himfrom going out with his company, as Egon had done. The gentlemen werewaiting for the return of their princely comrade, who must be back soonnow, and as they waited, they teased and guyed old Peter Stadinger, whowas on duty early at his master's quarters. 

The young officers had heard nothing of the news which had been learnedover night at headquarters, they were as merry as could be, andindulged in much raillery over old Peter's lectures to his master. Butthe old man said little in answer to their banter this morning; hismaster was long in returning, and Stadinger had reached the age when heborrowed trouble, and it rested heavily upon him. Finally Walldorf gotout of all patience with him and said:

"I believe, Stadinger, you'd like to strap the prince on your back andtake him off to Rodeck with you. The camp is no place for anxiety oralarm, remember that. "

"Then the prince had to reconnoitre to-day, " added Eugen. "He has tomake a detour from Chapel mountain to the valley beneath and through theravine, in order to see what the outlook is. We'll probably have apleasant exchange of civilities with the French gentlemen within thenext few days, and we want to be ready for them at all points. "

"But there's plenty of chances for them to shoot now, isn't there?"asked the old man with such anxiety that the officers had to laughaloud. 

"Yes, there's chances enough to shoot, " Walldorf asserted. "You seem tobe afraid of a gun. You're safe from any stray shots here!"

"I?" the old man straightened himself; he was deeply insulted. "I wishto God I could be in the midst of it all. "

"Yes, you'd stay by the prince, and when you saw a bullet coming you'dgive his coat a pull and say: 'Be careful, your highness, here comes abullet. ' That would be great fun. "

"Herr Lieutenant, " said the old man so earnestly that their merrimentwas silenced, "you should not talk so to an old hunter, who has climbedtime and again to the mountain's summit, and shot, and killed too, wherehe had scarcely room to plant his foot. It is only here that I am soanxious and discouraged--I would the day were well over. "

"We were only in fun, " said Eugen good naturedly. "Of course you're notafraid of a shot, one only has to look at you to know that. But don'tcome to us with your presentiments and misgivings; after men have stoodunder a shower of bullets they don't heed croakings. When we're all homeagain I am going to visit my sister at Ostwalden and we'll be goodneighbors, you and I. The prince is very fond of his hunting castle atRodeck, is he not? But you can banish your gloomy thoughts, for here hecomes. "

There was a quick step without on the stair; the old man gave a relievedsigh, but when the door opened it was only Eugen's man who appeared. 

"Isn't his highness coming?" asked Walldorf; but Stadinger gave the manno time to answer. He had glanced at his face, only a glance, then hestarted forward and seized his hand half-frantically. 

"What is it? Where--where is my master?"

The man shook his head sadly and pointed to the window; the two officershastened to it, but Stadinger lost no time in looking; he rushed out ofthe door and down the steps and across the little yard, and sank downwith a piercing cry beside a litter which two soldiers were carrying, and upon which a tall, youthful form was stretched. 

"Silence!" said the surgeon, who accompanied the sad little procession. "Control yourself, the prince is badly wounded. "

"I see that, " said the old man, huskily. "But his wound is not mortal?Tell me it's not mortal!"

He glanced up at the physician with a look of such despair, that thelatter had not the heart to tell him the truth. He turned to the twoofficers who had followed Stadinger, and answered their questionsinstead. 

"A bullet in the breast, " he said in a whisper. "The prince desired tobe brought to his own quarters, and we have been as careful as we could, but the end is nearer than I thought. "

"No hope then?" asked Walldorf. 

"Not the slightest. "

The men were already lifting their burden to carry him into the house, when the physician motioned them to put him down. 

"Wait! The prince wants to speak to his old servant, I think. A fewminutes here or there doesn't matter now. "

Stadinger saw and heard nothing of what was going on around him, he sawonly his master. Egon appeared to be unconscious; the blonde hair wasthrown back, the eyes were closed, and under the mantle with which theman had covered him was the blood-soaked uniform. 

"Your highness!" said the old man in low, heart-rending tones. "Look atme, speak to me! It is your old Stadinger. "

The well-known voice found its way to the dying man's ear; he opened hiseyes slowly, and a faint smile crossed his face as he recognized hisfaithful servant. 

"My old ghost of the woods, " he said softly; "and you are with me at thelast. "

"But you'll not die, your highness, " murmured Stadinger. His whole bodywas in a tremble, but he never took his eyes from his adored master. "No, you will not die, you will not die . '"

"Do you think it is so hard?" said Egon quietly. "Yesterday you werequite right, a burden was on my heart, now it is light. Take a greetingto dear Rodeck, and the forest, and to the lady of Ostwalden. "

"To whom? To Frau von Wallmoden?" asked Stadinger, thinking he had notheard aright. 

"Yes, tell her I send her my last greeting; she must think of mesometimes. "

The words came slowly, brokenly, from the lips which would so soonrefuse to do further service, but there was no mistaking their fullsignificance. Eugen was startled when he heard his sister's name, andbent over the dying man, who looked into the countenance which soresembled Adelheid's, and again a smile lighted his face. Then he raisedhis head and laid it heavily on the breast of his old ghost of thewoods, and the sunny blue eyes closed forever. 

It was a short, painless battle with death, a peaceful falling to sleep. Stadinger hardly breathed while life remained in the body of him he hadnursed as a babe and cherished as a man, but was to lose forever now. When all was over the old man lost control of himself, and threw himselfin despair on the body of his beloved master, and sobbed like a child. 

 * * * * *

Yonder, on the other side of the mountain-pass, the clear, bright wintersun lighted up the citadel which had just surrendered to the Germantroops. The garrison which had occupied it were marching off prisonersof war, while a portion of the victors were already on their way to thefort. 

General von Falkenried, surrounded by his staff, was standing in themarket-place of the little city, and was just on the point of marchingto the fortress. The helmets and guns of the men gleamed brightly in themorning sun as they marched in solemn order toward the citadel. 

General von Falkenried, who had been giving various orders, now turnedto his officers and gave the signal to move forward. 

At that moment a rider came dashing down the main street at a mad galop. His noble horse was covered with sweat and froth, and his flanks werebleeding from the sharp spurs which had been pressed into his side. Therider's face was covered with blood, too, which evidently came from awound in the forehead which had been hastily bound with a cloth. As iffleeing before a storm, he heeded naught in his path, but rushed on inhis mad ride toward the market-place where the commanding general was tobe found. 

Just a few steps from his goal the horse's strength gave out and hefell. But in the same instant the rider had sprung from the saddle, andhastened to the commander-in-chief. 

"I come from General M----. "

Falkenried drew a sharp, quick breath; he had not recognized theblood-stained face, he only knew that the man must have come on someimportant mission, but the tone of the man's voice gave him somepremonition of the truth. 

Hartmut swayed for a moment and put his hand to his head--it seemed asif he, like his horse, would succumb at the last moment; but he gatheredhimself together for a final effort. 

"It is a warning from the general--there is treachery, the citadel is tobe blown up as soon as our men are in it--here are the dispatches. "

He tore the dispatches from his breast and handed them to Falkenried. The officers were startled by the unexpected news, and gathered aroundtheir chief waiting the corroboration or denial of the statement justmade, but a strange sight met their eyes. Their general, who never losthis presence of mind, no matter how unexpected or how dreadful thecalamity which he faced, stood gazing at the orderly as if a ghost hadrisen from the earth, still holding the unopened dispatches in his hand. 

"Herr General, the dispatches!" said one of the adjutants, half aloud. He understood his leader as little as did the others. It was enough tobring Falkenried to his senses. He tore open the dispatches and learnedtheir contents in a second, then again he was a soldier who thought ofnothing but duty. He gave his orders in a loud, clear voice, theofficers hurried hither and thither, cries of command were given, andsignals sounded in every direction, and a few minutes later the divisionmarching to the fortress was brought to a standstill, while thewithdrawing garrison was also brought to a sudden halt. 

Now the alarm signal was sounded from the citadel. Neither friend norfoe knew what it signified, only the newly conquered fort must beevacuated at once. The orders were carried out promptly. Despite thehaste there was no disorder; the troops turned to march back to the cityas they marched from it. 

Falkenried still stood in the same place issuing orders, receivingcommunications, while with glance and word he watched and guided all. But he found a minute's time to turn to his son, he to whom he had givenno sign of recognition. 

"You are bleeding--your wound must be bound. "

Hartmut shook his head. 

"Later; first I must see the retreat and know we are saved. "

The fearful excitement kept him up. He swayed no more, but watched withfeverish impatience every movement of the troops. Falkenried looked athim, then he said:

"Which way did you come?"

"Over the pass. "

"Why, the enemy hold it, " cried the General. 

"Yes--they hold it. "

"And yet you came that way?"

"There was no choice; we only knew it last night, and I had no time forany other. "

"That's a piece of heroism without parallel, " said a high officer, whohad just come up with a communication and heard the last words. "Man, how did you dare to run such a risk?"

Hartmut was silent; he raised his eyes slowly, and looked at his father. Now he was not afraid to meet those eyes, and in them he read that hewas absolved. 

But even the strength of him who has ventured all--and won, has itslimits. 

His father's face was the last he saw, then a bloody veil covered hiseyes; he felt the blood again, hot and wet, running down his face, andall was night to him as he sank to the ground. 

There was a roar and a shock which made the whole city quake andtremble. The citadel whose outline rose bold and clear toward the blueheavens seemed suddenly to be turned into a seething, glowing crater, vomiting flame. Within the bursting walls a very hell seemed to gape, asthe shower of stones rose in the air only to sink again in the fieryhollow, and, as the gigantic wreck burned and blazed, it made one mightypillar of fire reaching to the very heavens above--a vengeful, hideousflame of death. 

The warning had not come a moment too soon. In spite of all precautionsthere had been some victims who lived in the immediate vicinity of thecitadel and could not be reached, who were either blown to pieces orseverely wounded; though in comparison with the fearful calamity whichmight have occurred and would have paralyzed all Germany, the loss wasslight. 

The General with his officers and all his troops were saved. 

The General, with his wonted foresight and energy, had taken everyprecaution to avoid the terrible catastrophe, while his coolness, hisexample, had done more than anything else to inspire both officers andmen to action. But now, when his duty as commander-in-chief was done, hehad his rights as a father. 

Hartmut had been carried, when he fell, to a house near by, and layunconscious on his narrow cot. He neither saw nor heard his father, whostood with the surgeon by his side. 

Falkenried looked earnestly at the pale, worn face and closed eyes, thenhe turned to the surgeon and said:

"Do you consider the wound mortal?"

The physician shrugged his shoulders. 

"The wound of itself is not, but the strain and excitement of thatfearful ride, the loss of blood, and the terrible night--I fear, General, there's little hope for the brave fellow. We must be preparedfor the worst. "

"I am prepared!" said Falkenried earnestly, then he kneeled and kissedhis son, whom he had only found, he feared, to lose again; as he rosetwo hot tears fell on the death-like face. 

But the father had no time to stay by his son. He must be up and doing. After a few minutes he left the room, leaving repeated injunctions withthe doctor not to relax his watchful care for an instant. 

The General's staff and many other officers were waiting in themarket-place for their commander. As they waited they talked of the manwho had ridden through the jaws of death to save them all; none knew hisname, but he had come through the mountain pass, had faced a revengefuland infuriated foe, with death on all sides, and had reached them intime. 

When the general appeared they surrounded and questioned him at onceconcerning the brave stranger. 

Falkenried had his usual earnest look, but the settled gloom of his facewas gone forever, and in its stead was an expression which those aroundhim had never seen before. His eyes were wet, but his voice was firm andclear as he answered:

"Yes, gentlemen, he is severely wounded, and perhaps the ride whichsaved us all was his death ride. But he has done his duty as a man and asoldier, and if you would know his name, he is my son--Hartmut vonFalkenried. "

The old manor house of Burgsdorf lay peaceful and quiet in the summersunshine. Its young master, who had been away from it for a whole yearhad just returned to it and to his young wife, for the war was over. 

The great estate had not suffered during his long absence; it had beenwell cared for. The mother had taken the reins in hand again, and hadgoverned as of old with judgment and a watchful eye, but she nowresigned them willingly to her son, and declared her intention of takingup her residence in Berlin. 

She looked well and happy to-day as she stood upon the broad stoneveranda talking with her son who was by her side. He had never beforeseemed so handsome in her eyes, for his military life and discipline hadgiven him a fine, stately bearing. She might well feel that he hadgained something with which her education had not provided him, but shewould not have admitted that for the world. 

"So you intend to build?" she asked. 

"I had thought of it. "

"The old house in which your father and I lived is not good enough foryour princess, whom you must needs surround with all possible glitterand splendor. Not that I care. You have the money to do it with. If allthese fine doings please you, well and good. It's nothing to me, thankGod. "

"Don't try to be so severe, mother, " laughed Willibald. "If a strangerheard you he'd think you were the worst kind of a mother-in-law. IfMarietta's letters had not given me assurance enough that you spoiledher, your own actions every day would do so. "

"Now and then one plays, even in old age, with a pretty doll, " Regineanswered dryly. "And your wife is but a fragile doll. Do not imagineshe'll ever be a capable housewife--I saw at a glance that she hadn'tit in her to manage here. "

"You are quite right, " answered her son eagerly "The work and themanagement of the estate are my care and mine alone, and I shall neverbother Marietta with them. One takes pleasure in work too with such asweet little singing bird by his side and in his heart. "

"Willibald, I don't believe your head is right yet, " said Frau vonEschenhagen with her old acerbity. "Who ever heard a sensible man, amarried man and a landed gentleman, speak in such a manner of his wife, 'A sweet little singing bird. ' You've been learning that from your bosomfriend, Hartmut, whom you all think such a great poet. "

"No mother, that's my own poetry, " said Willibald, defending himself. "Inever wrote but one poem, and that was on the night when I saw Mariettaplay. I gave it to Hartmut and asked him to change it a little and makeit read more like his. I'll tell you what he said in answer. 'Dear Will, your poem is very beautiful and full of feeling; but you'd better letit remain as it is. The public would in all probability not appreciatethe lines as they deserve, and your wife will value your work betterwithout any rearrangement by me. ' That was my bosom friend's judgment. "

"It served you right; what had you, a landlord, to do with verses?"cried Regine sharply. Just then the door from the dining-room opened, and a dark curly head peeped out, while a fresh voice said playfully:

"May a poor subject have a moment's speech with her most graciousmajesty?"

"Come here with you, " said Frau von Eschenhagen, but the invitation wasunnecessary, for the young wife was already in her husband's arms, whilehe, drawing her to him, whispered something in her ear. 

"There you begin again, " said his mother. "Some people never grow tiredof folly. "

The young wife turned toward her mother-in-law and said:

"You mustn't forget that we had no honeymoon when we were married, andso we are taking it now. You know from experience that one is permittedan extra share of happiness during that time. "

Frau Regine shrugged her shoulders. Her honeymoon with Herr vonEschenhagen of blessed memory had been of another kind. 

"You received a letter from your grandfather, did you not, Marietta?"she said, changing the subject. "Good news?"

"The very best. Grandpapa is quite well, and is delighted at the thoughtthat he'll be here with me in another month. He writes that it's thequietest summer he has known for a long time around Waldhofen. Rodeckhas been desolate and deserted since the prince's death. Ostwalden isclosed and Fürstenstein will be empty soon, too. Toni is to be marriedin two weeks, and then uncle Schönau will be all alone. "

The last words were spoken in a peculiar tone, and Marietta gave hermother-in-law an odd glance, which the latter did not notice; she onlysaid:

"It does seem singular for Hartmut and Ada to spend the first weeks oftheir marriage here in that little villa when they could go to the greatcastle at Ostwalden or one of the Stahlberg palaces. "

"They wanted to be as near the general as possible, " said Willibald. 

"Well, in this case, Falkenried could have gotten leave and gone tothem. God be praised! The man seems to live again since he has his sonwith him. I knew better than any one how the boy's flight struck him, for he fairly worshipped his son, notwithstanding his severity. Thatfamous ride which saved his father and his troops, absolved him from allhis boyhood's errors, for which, after all, his mother alone wasaccountable. "

"If we only had some wedding festivities in the family, " said Marietta. "Will and I were married without any, because the war had commenced, andnow when the war is happily ended, Hartmut and Ada are married just asquietly as we. "

"My child, when a man has gone through all that Hartmut has endured, hehas little desire for gaieties, " said Frau von Eschenhagen, earnestly. "Besides, he has by no means recovered his strength yet. You saw howpale he was when they were married. Adelheid's first marriage was verydifferent from her second one. Her poor father gave her away, althoughhe was so ill, and she in her train and lace and diamonds looked like aqueen; but her face was pale and cold. Now, she seemed like a differentcreature as she turned with Hartmut from the altar in her simple whitesilk gown and gauzy veil. I have never seen so peaceful, so happy aface! Poor Herbert! He never possessed his wife's love. "

"Who could love so old a man? Always with his diplomatic coat and manneron, too. I shouldn't have been able to do it, I'm sure, " cried Marietta, thoughtlessly. 

Her mother-in-law, who held her brother's memory sacred, said tartly:

"Such an opportunity would never have come in your way. A man likeHerbert von Wallmoden would scarcely have chosen you, you littleinsolent thing--"

The little insolent thing threw her arms around Frau Regine's neck, andsaid, flatteringly:

"Now, don't be angry, mamma! I wouldn't exchange my Will for all thegreat ambassadors of the world, and neither would you. "

"You're a little minx, " said Regine, striving to look as severe as ever. "You know very well that one can't be angry with you long. Oh, there'llbe a petticoat government at Burgsdorf from this time on, such as theplace has never witnessed before. Will's a little ashamed before me yet, but as soon as I'm gone he'll surrender at discretion. "

"Why do you cling to that idea, mother?" said Willibald, reprovingly. "Why do you want to go when all is love and peace between us?"

"Just for that reason I go, that peace may continue; we need not discussit, my son. I must always be first where I live and work. You must bethat now, and we wouldn't pull together. Until now we have beendistressed and anxious about you, not knowing what hour would bringtidings to break our hearts. That's all over, but I'm not so old that Imust be set aside as useless. Wherever I am I must be the head, and forthat reason I am going. "

She turned and entered the house, while her son gazed after her and gavea troubled sigh. 

"Perhaps she is right, " he said, "but it will be hard for her to bewithout duties or occupation. Enforced quiet will be very hard for her, I know. You should have begged her to remain, Marietta. "

Marietta laid her head on his shoulder and looked up smiling:

"O no, I'll do something better. I'll have a care that when she leavesus she will not be unhappy. "

"You? What will you do?"

"Only a simple thing--have her get married. "

"What do you mean?"

"O, Will, to be so wise and yet see nothing, " said his wife with her oldsweet silvery laugh. "Have you no idea why uncle Schönau was in such abad humor when we met him in Berlin, and urged him to visit us? Yourmother didn't invite him because she feared another proposal; heunderstood that, and it made him furious. I saw them at Waldhofen thetime of our marriage, and I knew he would have been very glad to have asimilar ceremony performed for himself, only your mother said him nay. Don't put on such a face, Will; you look exactly as you did the firstday I saw you. "

Her husband was gazing at her in boundless astonishment. He had neverdreamed of such a possibility as his mother marrying again, or his uncleeither, for that matter. It struck him now as a most excellentarrangement. 

"Marietta, how wise you are!" he said, looking with admiration at thesmiling girl, who was beaming with satisfaction at the manner in whichher news had been received. 

"I'm wiser than you think, " she declared triumphantly, "for I have setthe wheel going. I took occasion to let uncle Schönau know that if hestormed the fort again, a complete surrender might follow. He said hehad no intention of being refused again, but you'll see him sooner thanyou think. In fact he's in the house now, came half an hour ago, but Idetermined to say nothing about it before mamma--here he is now!"

The head forester stepped on the terrace just in time to hear the lastwords. 

"Yes, here I am, " said Herr von Schönau. "It's all your little wife'sfault, Will, that I am at Burgsdorf. I'm here at her suggestion, and ifthat mother of your's is not obstinate and unreasonable and pig-headedas usual--why I'll marry her. "

"I pray to God you may, uncle, " answered Will, to whom this summary ofhis mother's wonted characteristics was very singular, to say the least. 

"Yes, so do I, " agreed Schönau, "your wife thinks--"

"I think that you shouldn't lose a moment, " cried Marietta, "Mamma hasjust gone to her sitting-room and knows nothing of your arrival. Willand I will remain behind, and if the worst comes to the worst call onus. Forward, march!"

With these words she gave him a push, and the sturdy, broad shoulderedman turned at her bidding, saying to Will, who entered the house withhim:

"They are all commanders whether they be large or small--it's born inthem, I suppose. "

Regine von Eschenhagen stood at the window of her cosy room looking outupon her beloved Burgsdorf, which she was to leave in a few days. Thoughshe had said so decidedly she would go, the decision had been no lightmatter to her. The strong, active, capable woman who had been mistresshere for thirty years and over, dreaded the quiet and inactivity of citylife, of which she had had some slight experience at the time of herquarrel with her son. She dreaded going back to it now, though she knewit was but just and fitting to leave Willibald and his wife alone, andshe had the courage to do what was right. She heard the door open andturned to see the head forester enter the room. 

"Moritz, you here?" she said, surprised. "It was very sensible of you tocome. "

"Yes, I'm always sensible, " answered the head forester, with his usuallack of tact. "You didn't have the grace to invite me, but I thought I'dcome in person to invite you and your children to Toni's marriage. Youwill come to Fürstenstein, will you not?"

"Certainly we will come, but we were surprised to hear it was to takeplace so soon. I thought you were going to buy them an estate first andsettle the matter more slowly!"

"No, they wouldn't wait or listen to reason. Our warriors make greatdemands when they come home covered with glory. Walldorf said to mequite coolly: 'You know you said first conquer then marry. Well we haveconquered; now I shall marry without any delay. The estate can wait, theland won't run away, but we must be married now!' Of course Toniseconded everything he said. What could I do? I let them name the daythen and there. "

Frau von Eschenhagen laughed. 

"The young are in a hurry to marry, though they have plenty of time towait. "

"The old have none to spare, though, " said the head forester promptly, glad of so good a chance to get on the subject near his heart. "Have youreflected enough over our little affair, Regine?"

"What affair?"

"Why, our marriage. I trust you are in the humor for it now. " Regineturned away somewhat embarrassed. 

"How you do love to take one by surprise, Moritz. "

"So that is what you call taking by surprise?" cried the head forester, irritated. "Over five years ago I asked you to marry me, then last yeara second time, and now for the third time, so you have had plenty oftime to consider the matter. Yes, or no? If you send me away this timeI'll never come again, understand that!"

Regine did not answer, but it was not indecision which made herhesitate. Notwithstanding her hard, unyielding nature, deep down in herheart there had always been a warm feeling for the man who was to havebeen her husband long years ago, for Hartmut von Falkenried. When he hadturned from her she had married another, for she had no thought ofleading a desolate, useless life; but the same feeling of bitter woewhich had entered the young girl's heart was in the heart of the olderwoman to-day and closed her lips. She stood silent for a few minutes, then cast the sweet, sad memory from her forever, and gave her hand toher brother-in-law:

"Well then, yes, Moritz! I will make you a good and true wife. "

"Thank God!" said Schönau earnestly, for he had feared her hesitationwould result in a third refusal. "You should have said that five yearsago, Regine, but better late than never. It's all right at last. "

And with these words the persevering man folded her in his arms withaffectionate tenderness. 

 * * * * *

The sun shone down warm and bright on the meadow land and penetratedeven into the forest depths. It fell across the pathway of General vonFalkenried and his son and daughter, who were sauntering along underthe high firs on the way which led to Burgsdorf. 

Falkenried did not seem the same man he had been for the past ten years. The war which, despite its victories and final triumph, had made so manyold before their time, had affected him apparently in a differentmanner. His white hair was thin over his deeply furrowed brow, but hisfeatures had life again, his eyes had fire and expression, and one sawat a glance that this was no old man, but one in the zenith of hisstrength and power. 

Falkenried's son had not fully recovered his strength yet, and his faceshowed traces of great suffering. The war had not left him younger, onthe contrary he had grown older; his pallid face, and the broad, redscar on his forehead, told a tale of their own. For months after thatfearful night he had lain at death's door, but with returning life andstrength all traces of the old Hartmut, of Zalika's son, disappearedforever. 

It seemed as if, in casting from him the name of Rojanow, he cast withit the unholy heritage of her who had borne him. The dark curly lockswere beginning to grow again over the high, broad forehead, so like hisfather's. 

The young wife by his side, so beautiful, so winning always, waslovelier than ever now, for joy and happiness had set their seal on herbright, girlish face! Who would recognize in this slender, gracefulfigure, clad in a simple, summer frock, the proud, cold court beauty inher laces and jewels? The smile, the tone in which she spoke to herfather and husband, Frau von Wallmoden had never known, for it was AdaFalkenried who had learned it. 

"You can go no farther to-day, " said the general, standing still. "Youhave a long walk back, and Hartmut is not strong enough for much yet. The physician was very decided about his not exerting himself. "

"If you only knew, father, how hard it was to be mistaken for an invalidwhen I am getting so well and strong again, " said Hartmut. "I am gettingstrong enough--"

"To bring on a relapse by your folly, " his father answered. "You havenever learned patience, and it is altogether owing to Ada that you areas strong as you are. "

"If it hadn't been for her there would be no Hartmut to-day, " said herhusband, giving her a glance of tenderest love. "I believe the case wasalmost hopeless when she came to me!"

"The physicians at least gave no hope, when I telegraphed for Ada inresponse to your cry. The first minute you recovered consciousness, youcalled for her, to my boundless astonishment, for I did not know youeven knew one another. "

"That hardly seemed fair to you, papa, did it?" As she glanced uplaughing into her father's face, he drew her to him, and kissed herforehead. 

"You know best what you have been to Hartmut and me, my child. I thankGod for bringing him back to me through your nursing. And you are rightin detaining him here, although the physician says he could travel now. He must first learn to know his fatherland and his home to which he wasso long a stranger. "

"First learn?" said Ada, reprovingly. "What he read to you and to meto-day shows that he has long since learned it; his new poem breathes adifferent spirit from his wild, passionate 'Arivana. '"

"Yes, Hartmut, your new work is certainly fine, " said his father, as hereached out his hand to his son. "I believe the fatherland will yethonor my boy in peace, as well as in war. "

Hartmut's eyes lighted as he returned the warm hand pressure. He knewwhat such praise from his father's lips signified. 

"Good-bye, " said the general, kissing his daughter. "I'll go on fromBurgsdorf to the city, but in a few days we'll meet again. Good-bye, children. "

As he disappeared through the trees, Hartmut led Ada toward theBurgsdorf fish-pond. When they reached it they stood gazing down on thestill sheet of water which lay so placid and clear in its setting ofwater lilies and reeds. 

"Here, as a boy, I played for hours with Will, " said Hartmut softly, "and here my destiny was decided for me on that fateful night. I realizenow, for the first time, all that I did to my father in that fearfulhour. "

"Ah, but you have repaid him for all his suffering, " answered Ada, asshe laid her hand on her husband's arm. "The world, too, has forgottenyour boyhood's folly. That was proven by the words of praise andcongratulations which poured in upon your father from all sides abouthis heroic son. "

Hartmut shook his head. "That was no heroism, it was despair. I did notthink I should succeed. No one thought so; but even had I fallen, theenemy's bullet would have redeemed my honor. Egon understood that, andthat was why he put my salvation in my own hands. When we two saidgood-bye in the little ruined church on that icy winter's night, we knewwe should never meet again, but we both thought I would be the victim, for I rode to almost certain death. But a spirit-hand seemed to lead me, and in the hour in which I reached my goal, poor Egon fell. You neednot hide your tears, dear. I have no jealousy of the dead. "

"Eugen brought me his last greeting, " said the young wife, the hot tearsstanding in her eyes. "And poor Stadinger wrote me, too, of his master'slast words. I fear the old man won't live long; his letter sounded asthough he were heart-broken. "

"My poor Egon!" Hartmut's voice told how deep was his sorrow for hisloss. "He was so sunny, so amiable always. He seemed created for a long, cloudless life. Perhaps you would have been happier by his side, Ada, than with your wild, stormy Hartmut, who will so often vex you with thedark shadows of his life. "

Ada glanced up at him, smiling through her tears. 

"I have only one love, and that is my wild, stormy Hartmut, and I knowno greater happiness than to be his wife!"

Wood and water lay quiet in the afternoon sunshine. The old firs stooddark and tall, while the reeds whispered softly to one another, andthousands of sunny sparks danced on the water. Far above, in the heavensto which the boy had once longed to mount like a falcon, the sun rode onhis glorious course. In splendor he shed his rays on allbeneath--mighty, eternal and glorious source and promise of life andjoy.